Inklingo

How to Say "research" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “research” is “investigación” — use this singular noun for general academic, scientific, or police studies when referring to a single instance or ongoing process..

investigaciónA2

Use this singular noun for general academic, scientific, or police studies when referring to a single instance or ongoing process.

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investigaciones🔊B1

Use this plural noun when referring to multiple academic, scientific, or police studies, or when the plural form is generally preferred in Spanish for this concept.

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documentaciónB2

Choose this word when 'research' specifically means the process of gathering information, documents, or background material for a project.

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estudio🔊A1

Use this term when 'research' refers to academic work, a study session, or the act of studying for a class or exam.

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investigador🔊B2

This word functions as an adjective, as in 'research work,' describing a team or effort dedicated to investigation.

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English → Spanish

investigación

nounA2academic, scientific
Use this singular noun for general academic, scientific, or police studies when referring to a single instance or ongoing process.

Examples

La policía inició una investigación sobre el robo.

The police started an investigation into the robbery.

investigaciones

in-ves-ti-ga-SYO-nes/im.bes.ti.ɣaˈsjo.nes/

nounB1academic, scientific
Use this plural noun when referring to multiple academic, scientific, or police studies, or when the plural form is generally preferred in Spanish for this concept.
A close-up view of a large magnifying glass held over a distinct footprint pressed into brown soil, symbolizing forensic inquiry.

Examples

Las investigaciones policiales revelaron nuevos datos.

The police investigations revealed new data.

El equipo médico ha publicado diez investigaciones este año.

The medical team has published ten research studies this year.

Necesitamos más fondos para continuar con nuestras investigaciones.

We need more funding to continue with our research (studies).

Pluralizing 'Research'

This word is the plural form of 'investigación.' Unlike English, where 'research' is often treated as a singular mass noun, Spanish frequently uses the plural 'investigaciones' when talking about multiple projects or areas of study.

Using the Singular for Multiple Studies

Mistake: “El departamento tiene muchas investigación.”

Correction: El departamento tiene muchas investigaciones. (Remember to use the plural ending -es when talking about multiple distinct projects.)

documentación

nounB2general
Choose this word when 'research' specifically means the process of gathering information, documents, or background material for a project.

Examples

La documentación para esta novela histórica me tomó tres años.

The research for this historical novel took me three years.

estudio

es-TOO-dyoh/esˈtuðjo/

nounA1academic
Use this term when 'research' refers to academic work, a study session, or the act of studying for a class or exam.
A focused child sitting at a wooden desk, reading a large open book, illustrating the act of learning.

Examples

Necesito concentrarme en mi estudio para el examen.

I need to concentrate on my studying for the exam.

Mi hermana alquiló un pequeño estudio cerca de la universidad.

My sister rented a small studio apartment near the university.

El fotógrafo tiene su propio estudio en el centro de la ciudad.

The photographer has his own studio in the city center.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'estudio' ends in '-o', which usually indicates a masculine word, it's good practice to always memorize the article: 'el estudio'.

Confusing 'estudio' (noun) and 'estudiar' (verb)

Mistake: “Hago estudio todos los días. (I do study every day.)”

Correction: Estudio todos los días. (I study every day.) 'Estudio' as a noun is the act; 'estudio' as a verb form is the action itself.

investigador

in-ves-ti-ga-DOR/im.bes.ti.ɣaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveB2academic, scientific
This word functions as an adjective, as in 'research work,' describing a team or effort dedicated to investigation.
A figure dressed as a detective wearing a trench coat and hat kneels down, using a large magnifying glass to inspect a footprint on the ground.

Examples

El equipo investigador viajó a la zona para recoger muestras.

The investigating team traveled to the area to collect samples.

Se estableció un comité investigador para revisar las alegaciones.

An investigating committee was established to review the allegations.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'investigador' must match the thing it describes. If you talk about 'la comisión investigadora' (the female commission), you change the ending.

Investigación vs. Documentación

Learners often confuse 'investigación' and 'documentación'. Remember that 'investigación' refers to the study or inquiry itself, while 'documentación' specifically means the gathering of supporting materials or background information.

Related Translations

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