Inklingo

How to Say "query" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pregunta

/pre-GOON-tah//pɾeˈɣun.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'pregunta' when referring to a specific question, especially in a technical or database context, or when asking a direct question to someone.
A small, curious child with a thoughtful expression looking up at a large, wise owl, symbolizing the act of forming or having a question.

Examples

Tengo una pregunta sobre la base de datos.

I have a query about the database.

Tengo una pregunta para la profesora.

I have a question for the teacher.

La pregunta del examen era muy difícil.

The exam question was very difficult.

Esa es una buena pregunta; necesito pensar en la respuesta.

That's a good question; I need to think about the answer.

Making a Question

In Spanish, you don't 'ask' a question with a single verb. Instead, you 'make' one. The most common phrase is 'hacer una pregunta'.

Confusing 'pregunta' and 'cuestión'

Mistake: “Tengo una cuestión: ¿dónde está el baño?”

Correction: Tengo una pregunta: ¿dónde está el baño? Use 'pregunta' for a direct question. 'Cuestión' is more like an 'issue' or 'matter' to be discussed, e.g., 'la cuestión del medio ambiente' (the issue of the environment).

consulta

/kohn-SOOL-tah//konˈsulta/

nounB1formal/technical
Use 'consulta' for formal database searches, technical inquiries, or when referring to a consultation with a professional.
A storybook illustration showing a simplified figure holding a large magnifying glass and closely examining details on an open, oversized book, symbolizing a search for information.

Examples

La consulta devolvió demasiados resultados.

The query returned too many results.

La base de datos permite hasta 50 consultas por minuto.

The database allows up to 50 queries per minute.

Enviamos una consulta al departamento legal sobre el nuevo contrato.

We sent an inquiry to the legal department about the new contract.

Formal Usage

This meaning of 'consulta' is often used in written or official communications, meaning 'a formal question' or 'a data request.' It feels more official than 'pregunta'.

búsqueda

nounA2general
Use 'búsqueda' primarily for a physical search or investigation, or a general request to find information, rather than a specific database query.

Examples

Realizamos una búsqueda exhaustiva de la información.

We conducted an exhaustive search for the information.

Choosing Between 'Consulta' and 'Pregunta'

Learners often confuse 'consulta' and 'pregunta' in digital contexts. 'Consulta' is the more precise term for a database query or a formal inquiry, while 'pregunta' is a more general term for a question, though it can be used technically.

Related Translations

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