Inklingo

How to Say "inspection" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “inspection” is “inspección” — use this for a general, formal examination or check of something's condition or compliance..

inspecciónB1

Use this for a general, formal examination or check of something's condition or compliance.

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revisiónB1

This is the best choice for a technical check or service, especially for vehicles or equipment.

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control🔊A2

Use this for a routine check or security screening, often at a point of entry or passage.

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registro🔊B2

Choose this for an official or legal search and examination, often conducted by authorities.

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revista🔊B2

This refers to a formal audit or a thorough review, often in a business or organizational context.

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reconocimiento🔊C1

Use this when referring to a very thorough, often medical or scientific, examination.

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visita🔊A1

While 'visita' means 'visit', it can sometimes imply a professional or formal check-up, like a doctor's visit.

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English → Spanish

inspección

nounB1formal
Use this for a general, formal examination or check of something's condition or compliance.

Examples

El edificio necesita una inspección de seguridad.

The building needs a safety inspection.

revisión

nounB1technical
This is the best choice for a technical check or service, especially for vehicles or equipment.

Examples

¿Cuándo le toca la revisión al coche?

When is the car due for its inspection/service?

control

/kon-trol//konˈtɾol/

nounA2formal
Use this for a routine check or security screening, often at a point of entry or passage.
A friendly security officer in uniform using a simple handheld scanner to inspect a traveler's brightly colored suitcase at a stylized airport checkpoint.

Examples

Tengo que pasar por el control de seguridad en el aeropuerto.

I have to go through the security check at the airport.

La policía montó un control en la carretera.

The police set up a checkpoint on the highway.

El médico me recomendó un control anual.

The doctor recommended an annual check-up.

registro

reh-HEES-troh/reˈxistɾo/

nounB2official
Choose this for an official or legal search and examination, often conducted by authorities.
A hand lifting a patterned blanket to uncover a small wooden box.

Examples

La policía obtuvo una orden para realizar un registro en el apartamento.

The police obtained a warrant to carry out a search of the apartment.

Tuvimos que pasar por un registro de seguridad muy estricto.

We had to go through a very strict security inspection.

Search vs. Look for

Mistake: “Using 'búsqueda' (search, general) when talking about a police raid.”

Correction: 'Registro' is specifically used for official or security searches of a location or person.

revista

reh-VEES-tah/reˈβista/

nounB2formal
This refers to a formal audit or a thorough review, often in a business or organizational context.
A cartoon figure wearing professional attire, holding a large magnifying glass and closely examining a small, simple mechanical object on a workbench, symbolizing an inspection.

Examples

El director ordenó una revista de seguridad de todas las instalaciones.

The director ordered a security inspection of all the facilities.

Hicimos la revista de las cuentas antes de la reunión anual.

We did the review of the accounts before the annual meeting.

Action vs. Object

This definition refers to the act of checking something. If you use it with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), it means 'to perform an inspection'.

reconocimiento

reh-koh-noh-see-mee-EN-toh/re.ko.no.siˈmjento/

nounC1formal
Use this when referring to a very thorough, often medical or scientific, examination.
A friendly doctor using a stethoscope to listen to the chest of a young child.

Examples

El médico ordenó un reconocimiento completo de los pulmones.

The doctor ordered a complete examination of the lungs.

Enviaron un dron para hacer un reconocimiento del terreno antes de avanzar.

They sent a drone for reconnaissance of the terrain before advancing.

Routine Check-up

Mistake: “Using 'chequeo' alone for a full physical.”

Correction: The most professional and common way to refer to a full physical exam is 'reconocimiento médico' or 'chequeo médico.'

visita

/bee-SEE-tah//biˈsi.ta/

nounA1formal
While 'visita' means 'visit', it can sometimes imply a professional or formal check-up, like a doctor's visit.
A storybook illustration showing a person standing happily at the open front door of a house, greeting another person who has just arrived holding a small wrapped box.

Examples

Tuvimos una visita muy agradable a la casa de la abuela.

We had a very pleasant visit to Grandma's house.

La visita al médico es mañana por la mañana.

The doctor's visit is tomorrow morning.

Use of 'Hacer'

To talk about performing a visit, Spanish often uses 'hacer una visita' (to make a visit) instead of just 'tener una visita' (to have a visit).

General vs. Specific Checks

Learners often confuse 'inspección' and 'revisión'. Remember that 'inspección' is a general check, while 'revisión' specifically refers to technical checks like car servicing. Don't use 'revisión' for a building safety check.

Related Translations

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