Inklingo

How to Say "to examine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to examine” is “examinar” — use 'examinar' when you mean to look at something or someone very closely, often in a medical or official inspection context..

examinar🔊A2

Use 'examinar' when you mean to look at something or someone very closely, often in a medical or official inspection context.

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comprobar🔊A2

Use 'comprobar' to mean checking or verifying information or a specific detail, like a time or a fact.

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analizar🔊B1

Choose 'analizar' when you are studying the components, structure, or meaning of something in detail, like data or a problem.

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estudiar🔊B1

Use 'estudiar' when you are examining a situation, case, or document thoroughly as if you were studying it.

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explorar🔊B1

Use 'explorar' when examining possibilities, options, or a physical area to discover what is there, often for potential or risk.

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visitar🔊B1

Use 'visitar' specifically when a doctor examines or checks on patients as part of their regular duties.

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English → Spanish

examinar

/ex-ah-mee-NAR//eksa.miˈnaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'examinar' when you mean to look at something or someone very closely, often in a medical or official inspection context.
A person using a large magnifying glass to look at a bright green leaf.

Examples

El doctor examinó mi brazo herido.

The doctor examined my injured arm.

Tienes que examinar el contrato antes de firmar.

You have to inspect the contract before signing.

A regular -AR verb

This verb follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you can conjugate 'examinar'!

Confusing 'taking' vs 'giving' a test

Mistake: “Using 'examinar' to say you are taking a test as a student.”

Correction: As a student, use 'examinarse' or 'hacer un examen'. 'Examinar' is what the teacher or doctor does to you.

comprobar

/kom-proh-BAR//kom.pɾoˈβaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'comprobar' to mean checking or verifying information or a specific detail, like a time or a fact.
A friendly character wearing glasses, holding a magnifying glass, carefully examining a single sheet of paper on a desk, symbolizing verification.

Examples

Necesitas comprobar la hora de salida del tren en la pantalla.

You need to check the train's departure time on the screen.

El policía comprobó mi identidad antes de dejarme pasar.

The police officer verified my identity before letting me pass.

Compruebo dos veces el correo electrónico antes de enviarlo.

I double-check the email before sending it.

Stem Change 'O' to 'UE'

In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' when the stress falls on the root word (e.g., 'yo compruebo'). This change skips the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Confusing 'comprobar' and 'chequear'

Mistake: “Using 'chequear' (a Spanglish verb) when 'comprobar' is more formal and appropriate for verifying facts or documents.”

Correction: Use 'comprobar' when the action involves confirming accuracy or validity; use 'revisar' or 'mirar' for a simple look-over.

analizar

/ah-nah-lee-SAHR//ana.liˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'analizar' when you are studying the components, structure, or meaning of something in detail, like data or a problem.
A person looking at a small green leaf through a large magnifying glass.

Examples

Necesitamos analizar los resultados del examen.

We need to analyze the exam results.

Ella analiza cada palabra antes de hablar.

She analyzes every word before speaking.

El detective está analizando las pistas.

The detective is analyzing the clues.

The Z to C Spelling Rule

In Spanish, the letter 'z' usually changes to 'c' when it sits before an 'e'. This is why 'yo analicé' (I analyzed) is spelled with a 'c' instead of a 'z'.

Spelling slip-up

Mistake: “analizé”

Correction: analicé

estudiar

es-too-dee-AR/estuˈðjaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'estudiar' when you are examining a situation, case, or document thoroughly as if you were studying it.
A scientist wearing a white lab coat using a large magnifying glass to closely inspect a small, colorful rock specimen on a simple table.

Examples

El abogado está estudiando los detalles del contrato.

The lawyer is examining the details of the contract.

Necesitamos estudiar la viabilidad de este proyecto antes de invertir.

We need to analyze the viability of this project before investing.

Los científicos estudian el comportamiento de las aves migratorias.

The scientists are studying (researching/analyzing) the behavior of migratory birds.

Object of the Verb

Unlike the academic sense, where you often just 'study,' this meaning almost always needs a direct object—the thing being analyzed or examined (e.g., 'estudiar el mercado').

explorar

eks-plo-RAR/eks.ploˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'explorar' when examining possibilities, options, or a physical area to discover what is there, often for potential or risk.
A person wearing a detective hat holds a giant magnifying glass over a tangled, multicolored knot of ropes on a wooden desk, intensely focused on finding the solution.

Examples

Necesitamos explorar nuevas opciones para reducir los costos.

We need to explore new options to reduce costs.

Ella exploró sus sentimientos antes de tomar una decisión.

She examined her feelings before making a decision.

El equipo decidió explorar la viabilidad del proyecto.

The team decided to investigate the feasibility of the project.

El médico tuvo que explorar la rodilla del paciente para ver el daño.

The doctor had to examine the patient's knee to see the damage.

Figurative Use

Just like in English, 'explorar' can be used figuratively to mean 'thinking deeply about' or 'researching' something that isn't physical, like an idea or a solution.

Formal Contexts

In medical settings, 'explorar' is the standard verb used for a physical examination or looking inside the body.

visitar

/vee-see-TAR//bi.siˈtaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'visitar' specifically when a doctor examines or checks on patients as part of their regular duties.
An adult wearing a yellow hard hat and safety vest holds a clipboard while closely examining a large, simple piece of machinery inside a factory setting, illustrating the act of inspection.

Examples

El doctor visita a sus pacientes dos veces al día.

The doctor checks up on his patients twice a day.

El inspector de sanidad visitó el restaurante sin avisar.

The health inspector inspected the restaurant without warning.

Focus on Purpose

When used formally, 'visitar' emphasizes the purpose of the trip—it’s not for fun, but for observation, assessment, or professional duty.

Examinar vs. Comprobar

Learners often confuse 'examinar' and 'comprobar'. Remember that 'examinar' implies a close, detailed physical or visual inspection, like a doctor looking at a wound. 'Comprobar' is about verifying facts or information, like checking a train schedule.

Related Translations

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