How to Say "to detect" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to detect” is “descubrir” — use 'descubrir' when you are finding something that was hidden, unknown, or new, like uncovering a secret or finding a new place..
descubrir
dess-koo-BREER/deskuˈβɾiɾ/
Examples
Descubrimos un tesoro escondido en el jardín.
We discovered a hidden treasure in the garden.
Descubrimos un restaurante increíble en el centro.
We discovered an incredible restaurant downtown.
¿Cuándo descubriste que te gustaba la música clásica?
When did you find out that you liked classical music?
Ella descubrió la verdad sobre el robo.
She discovered (found out) the truth about the robbery.
The Irregular Past Participle
Unlike most -ir verbs, the past participle of 'descubrir' is irregular: 'descubierto' (discovered). You use this form to create perfect tenses (e.g., 'he descubierto' - I have discovered).
Using the Regular Participle
Mistake: “Hemos descubrido un problema.”
Correction: Hemos descubierto un problema. (Always use 'descubierto' for the past participle, never 'descubrido'.)
detectar
/deh-tehk-TAHR//detekˈtaɾ/
Examples
El médico pudo detectar la enfermedad a tiempo.
The doctor was able to detect the illness in time.
El radar puede detectar aviones a gran distancia.
The radar can detect planes at a great distance.
El médico detectó un pequeño problema en los análisis.
The doctor detected a small problem in the tests.
Si detectas algún error en el documento, avísame.
If you notice any error in the document, let me know.
Using 'A' with People
When you detect a person (like a thief), you must put the word 'a' before them: 'Detectaron a un intruso'. If it's an object, like a sound, you don't need it: 'Detectaron un ruido'.
A Friendly Regular Verb
This verb is completely regular! It follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all its forms.
Detectar vs. Sentir
Mistake: “Detecto cansancio.”
Correction: Siento cansancio. Use 'detectar' for external things you discover, but 'sentir' for internal feelings or physical sensations you have yourself.
Descubrir vs. Detectar
Related Translations
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