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How to Say "questioning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

interrogante

een-teh-rro-GAHN-tehinteroˈɡante

adjectiveC1
Use 'interrogante' to describe a look, tone, or gesture that implies doubt or curiosity, similar to 'questioning' as an adjective.
A small owl with a tilted head and wide eyes looking curious.

Examples

Ella me lanzó una mirada interrogante cuando mencioné su nombre.

She gave me a questioning look when I mentioned her name.

Se quedó en silencio con gesto interrogante.

He remained silent with a questioning gesture.

One Ending for All

This word doesn't change its ending based on gender. You can say 'el hombre interrogante' or 'la mujer interrogante'—the word stays exactly the same.

interrogatorio

in-teh-roh-gah-TOH-ryohinteɾoɣaˈtoɾjo

nounB2formal
Use 'interrogatorio' when referring to a formal session of questioning, like a police interrogation or an in-depth interview.
Two stylized figures seated across a plain wooden table in a simple room. One figure, representing authority, holds a notepad and pen, leaning slightly forward, questioning the other figure.

Examples

El detective inició el interrogatorio del único testigo.

The detective started the interrogation of the sole witness.

El abogado sometió al acusado a un largo y difícil interrogatorio.

The lawyer subjected the defendant to a long and difficult questioning.

El interrogatorio duró tres horas y no obtuvieron ninguna información nueva.

The questioning lasted three hours and they didn't obtain any new information.

A Formal Noun

Since 'interrogatorio' is a noun ending in -o, it is always masculine (el interrogatorio). Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it.

Using it for simple questions

Mistake: “Hice un interrogatorio a mi amigo sobre la película. (I did an interrogation of my friend about the movie.)”

Correction: Hice unas preguntas a mi amigo sobre la película. (I asked my friend some questions about the movie.) Use 'interrogatorio' only for formal, high-stakes questioning.

Adjective vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse 'interrogante' and 'interrogatorio' by using the noun 'interrogatorio' when they mean the adjective 'interrogante'. Remember, 'interrogante' describes a look or tone, while 'interrogatorio' is the act of formal questioning itself.

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