How to Say "investigation" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “investigation” is “investigación” — use 'investigación' when referring to a formal police or official inquiry into a crime or incident.
English → Spanish
investigación
nounA2formal
Use 'investigación' when referring to a formal police or official inquiry into a crime or incident.
Examples
La policía inició una investigación sobre el robo.
The police started an investigation into the robbery.
búsqueda
nounA2
Choose 'búsqueda' when the English meaning is a 'search' for something or someone, like a missing person or lost item.
Examples
La policía organizó una búsqueda del niño desaparecido.
The police organized a search for the missing child.
exploración
nounB1
Use 'exploración' for a thorough examination, research, or data analysis, often in medical or scientific contexts.
Examples
El doctor me hizo una exploración física completa.
The doctor gave me a full physical examination.
Official Inquiry vs. General Search
The most common mistake is using 'búsqueda' (search) when you mean an official 'investigación' (inquiry). Remember that 'investigación' specifically relates to formal, often legal, investigations.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.