What is the difference between "preguntar", "indagar" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to inquire' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the nuance of your question. The best choice depends on whether you are asking a simple question or conducting a more formal investigation.

How to Say "to inquire" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to inquire” is “preguntar” — use 'preguntar' when you are asking a direct question to get specific information, like asking a teacher for clarification or requesting details.

preguntar🔊A1

Use 'preguntar' when you are asking a direct question to get specific information, like asking a teacher for clarification or requesting details.

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indagar🔊B1

Choose 'indagar' when you are trying to find out more information by asking questions, especially in a context of investigation or deeper research.

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English → Spanish

preguntar

preh-goon-TAHRpɾe.ɣunˈtaɾ

verbA1formal or official request for information

Use 'preguntar' when you are asking a direct question to get specific information, like asking a teacher for clarification or requesting details.

A small child leaning forward to ask a question to an older person wearing an apron.

Examples

Necesito preguntar algo al profesor sobre la tarea.

I need to ask the teacher something about the homework.

¿Qué hora es? Siempre pregunto la misma cosa.

What time is it? I always ask the same thing.

Ella preguntó por su salud después de la operación.

She asked about his health after the operation.

Asking Who Received the Action

When asking a question to a person, use 'a' before the person: 'Pregunté al camarero' (I asked the waiter). The person receiving the question is treated like an indirect object.

Preguntar vs. Pedir

Mistake: “Using 'preguntar' when you want a physical item or a favor.”

Correction: Use 'preguntar' only for questions or information. Use 'pedir' for things or requests: 'Pedí agua' (I asked for water), NOT 'Pregunté agua'.

See full entry for “preguntar” →

indagar

een-dah-GAHRindaˈɣaɾ

verbB1asking questions to find out more information

Choose 'indagar' when you are trying to find out more information by asking questions, especially in a context of investigation or deeper research.

A person wearing a detective hat using a large magnifying glass to look closely at a small footprint on the ground.

Examples

La policía decidió indagar más sobre el caso.

The police decided to investigate further into the case.

Es importante indagar en la historia de la empresa antes de aceptar el trabajo.

It's important to look into the company's history before accepting the job.

Quiero indagar sobre mis antepasados.

I want to look into my ancestors.

The 'G' to 'GU' Spelling Change

When 'indagar' is followed by an 'e' sound (like in the past 'yo' form or the special 'wishes' form), the 'g' changes to 'gu' to keep the hard 'G' sound (like in 'game'). Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j' sound.

Prepositions with Indagar

You can use 'indagar' on its own, but it's very common to follow it with 'sobre' (about) or 'en' (in/into) when mentioning the subject of your investigation.

Using it for simple questions

Mistake: “Me indagó la hora.”

Correction: Me preguntó la hora. (Use 'preguntar' for simple questions; 'indagar' is for deeper looking into things.)

Missing the 'u' in writing

Mistake: “Yo indagé sobre el problema.”

Correction: Yo indagué sobre el problema. (Don't forget the 'u' in the 'yo' past tense!)

See full entry for “indagar” →

Using 'preguntar' for investigations

Learners often use 'preguntar' for any situation where they are asking questions. Remember that 'indagar' implies a deeper search for information or an investigation, which 'preguntar' alone does not convey.

Related Translations

to ask→to investigate→to wonder→

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