How to Say "to doubt" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to doubt” is “dudar” — use 'dudar' when you are personally unsure about something or someone's state or existence..
dudar
/doo-DAHR//duˈðar/
Examples
Dudo que ella tenga la llave.
I doubt that she has the key.
No dudo de tu honestidad.
I don't doubt your honesty.
Muchos dudan de sus intenciones.
Many doubt his intentions.
The 'Doubt' Trigger
When you say 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...), the next verb must change its form to show uncertainty. This special form is often called the subjunctive.
Using 'de'
If you are doubting a specific thing or person, you almost always use the little connector word 'de' (e.g., 'Dudo de su palabra').
Positive vs. Negative
Mistake: “No dudo que sea verdad.”
Correction: No dudo que es verdad. When you are SURE (saying 'I don't doubt'), use the normal verb form. Only use the 'uncertainty' form when you actually have a doubt.
cuestionar
/kwes-tyoh-nahr//kwestjoˈnaɾ/
Examples
No deberías cuestionar todo lo que dice tu profesor.
You shouldn't challenge everything your teacher says.
Muchos ciudadanos cuestionan las nuevas leyes de tráfico.
Many citizens are questioning the new traffic laws.
Nadie cuestionó su honestidad hasta ese momento.
Nobody doubted his honesty until that moment.
Cuestionar vs. Preguntar
Use 'preguntar' when you want to get information (like asking for the time). Use 'cuestionar' when you are challenging if something is true or right.
Using it with 'se'
When you use 'cuestionarse' (adding 'se' at the end), it means you are questioning yourself or your own beliefs.
The 'Ask' Confusion
Mistake: “Me cuestionó qué hora era.”
Correction: Me preguntó qué hora era. (Use 'preguntar' for simple requests for info; 'cuestionar' sounds like they were cross-examining your knowledge of time.)
Dudar vs. Cuestionar
Related Translations
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