Inklingo

How to Say "to ascertain" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to ascertain” is “averiguar” — use 'averiguar' when you need to find out or discover specific information, often through investigation or questioning, like checking a schedule or confirming a detail..

English → Spanish

averiguar

ah-veh-ree-GWAHR/aβeɾiˈɣwaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'averiguar' when you need to find out or discover specific information, often through investigation or questioning, like checking a schedule or confirming a detail.
A small explorer character in a lush green jungle, kneeling down and looking happily at a glowing, opened treasure chest they just discovered, symbolizing finding out or discovering information.

Examples

Necesito averiguar a qué hora sale el tren de mañana.

I need to find out what time the train leaves tomorrow.

La policía está averiguando la causa del incendio.

The police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Cuando averigüe la verdad, te lo diré inmediatamente.

When I find out the truth, I will tell you immediately.

When to use Subjunctive

Since 'averiguar' means to gain knowledge, it often introduces a factual statement, usually triggering the normal (indicative) verb form: 'Averiguo que está aquí.' However, if you use it in a time phrase (like 'cuando') about the future, you must use the special form (subjunctive): 'Cuando lo averigüe...'

Spelling the Preterite 'Yo' Form

Mistake: “Using 'yo averigué' (pronouncing 'averi-GEH')”

Correction: You must write 'yo averigüé' (with the dots, called a 'diéresis' or umlaut) to keep the 'gwah' sound. If you don't add the dots, the word changes pronunciation to 'geh,' which is incorrect.

determinar

day-ter-mee-NAR/de.teɾ.miˈnaɾ/

verbB2formal
Choose 'determinar' when you need to figure out or establish something with certainty, especially when identifying something or reaching a conclusion after analysis.
A friendly cartoon detective character holds a large magnifying glass, closely examining a single, clear footprint in the dirt to find facts.

Examples

La policía no pudo determinar la identidad del sospechoso.

The police could not determine the suspect's identity.

Es crucial determinar la cantidad exacta de material necesario.

It is crucial to ascertain the exact amount of necessary material.

Question Words

When figuring things out, 'determinar' is often followed by a question word (like 'qué,' 'cuándo,' or 'cómo') to introduce the information you are trying to find.

establecer

/es-ta-ble-SÉR//est̪aβleˈseɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'establecer' when the goal is to confirm or prove a fact, truth, or the exact reason for something, often in a more official or conclusive context.
A small, antique balance scale perfectly leveled with equal weights, indicating that the value or price has been determined.

Examples

Necesitamos establecer la causa exacta del problema.

We need to determine the exact cause of the problem.

El comité estableció el precio máximo para las entradas.

The committee fixed the maximum price for the tickets.

Averiguar vs. Determinar

Learners often confuse 'averiguar' and 'determinar'. Use 'averiguar' for general 'finding out' or 'inquiring', while 'determinar' implies reaching a more definitive conclusion or identification after some process.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.