How to Say "survey" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “survey” is “encuesta” — use 'encuesta' when referring to a set of questions designed to gather information or opinions from a group of people, often for research or general data collection.
encuesta
en-KWES-tahenˈkwesta
Examples
Hicimos una encuesta en la escuela sobre la comida de la cafetería.
We did a survey at school about the cafeteria food.
Según la última encuesta, el candidato tiene mucha ventaja.
According to the latest poll, the candidate has a big lead.
Los resultados de la encuesta de opinión fueron sorprendentes.
The results of the opinion poll were surprising.
Always Feminine
Even if the survey is for men or about a masculine topic, the word itself is always 'la encuesta' or 'una encuesta'.
Verbs to use
To say 'to take a survey,' use 'hacer' (to do) or 'realizar' (to carry out). Don't say 'tomar una encuesta,' as that sounds like a literal translation from English.
Encuesta vs. Entrevista
Mistake: “Using 'entrevista' when you mean a written survey.”
Correction: Use 'encuesta' for data collection from many people. Use 'entrevista' (interview) for a deep conversation with just one person.
Surveying as an action
Mistake: “Yo encuesta a la gente.”
Correction: Yo encuesto a la gente. Remember that 'encuesta' is the thing (the noun), but 'encuestar' is the action (the verb).
sondeo
son-DEH-ohsonˈde.o
Examples
El último sondeo electoral muestra un empate entre los candidatos.
The latest election poll shows a tie between the candidates.
Realizamos un sondeo de mercado para conocer los gustos de los clientes.
We carried out a market survey to learn about the customers' tastes.
Según el sondeo de opinión, la mayoría apoya la nueva ley.
According to the opinion poll, the majority supports the new law.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', remember it always uses 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change if you're surveying women or men.
Nouns from Verbs
This word comes from the verb 'sondear'. In Spanish, many nouns are created by changing the ending of a verb to 'o' or 'a'.
Sondeo vs. Encuesta
Mistake: “Using 'encuesta' for a quick, informal check.”
Correction: Use 'sondeo' for a quick 'temperature check' or a preliminary poll, and 'encuesta' for a more formal, long-form questionnaire.
cuestionario
kwes-tyo-NA-ryokwestjoˈnaɾjo
Examples
Por favor, rellena este cuestionario de satisfacción.
Please fill out this satisfaction questionnaire.
El profesor preparó un cuestionario sobre la historia de España.
The teacher prepared a quiz about the history of Spain.
Los datos fueron obtenidos a través de un cuestionario anónimo.
The data was obtained through an anonymous survey.
It's a masculine noun
Even though it ends in '-o', which is usually a male-sounding ending, just remember to always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el cuestionario).
One word for many meanings
In English, you might say 'quiz,' 'survey,' or 'form.' In Spanish, 'cuestionario' covers almost any written set of questions.
Confusing 'pregunta' and 'cuestionario'
Mistake: “Hice una cuestionario.”
Correction: Hice un cuestionario (or 'Hice una pregunta' if it was just one question). Use 'cuestionario' when there is a list of questions, and remember it is masculine.
reconocimiento
reh-koh-noh-see-mee-EN-tohre.ko.no.siˈmjento
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.'
levantamiento
le-vahn-tah-myehn-tohleβantaˈmjento
Examples
El juez ordenó el levantamiento del secreto de sumario.
The judge ordered the lifting of the judicial secrecy.
Están realizando un levantamiento topográfico del terreno.
They are carrying out a topographical survey of the land.
El levantamiento del cadáver se produjo a medianoche.
The removal of the body took place at midnight.
Formal Contexts
In legal Spanish, 'levantamiento' often means 'taking away' a rule or restriction.
Body Removal
Mistake: “Using 'quitar el cuerpo' in a formal report.”
Correction: The professional term in Spanish for a crime scene is always 'levantamiento del cadáver'.
reconocer
reh-koh-neh-SEHRre.ko.neˈθeɾ
Examples
El médico tiene que reconocer al paciente antes de dar un diagnóstico.
The doctor has to examine the patient before giving a diagnosis.
Enviaron una patrulla para reconocer la zona fronteriza.
They sent a patrol to survey the border area.
Encuesta vs. Cuestionario
Related Translations
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