Inklingo

How to Say "to inspect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

examinar

/ex-ah-mee-NAR//eksa.miˈnaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'examinar' when you are carefully looking at something or someone to check for details, problems, or the condition of something.
A person using a large magnifying glass to look at a bright green leaf.

Examples

El mecánico examinó el motor del coche.

The mechanic inspected the car's engine.

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.

registrar

/rre-hees-TRAR//rexisˈtɾaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'registrar' when you are conducting a thorough search of a place or person, often by authorities, to find something hidden or illegal.
A customs officer looking inside a large open suitcase.

Examples

La aduana registró todas las maletas.

The customs officers inspected all the suitcases.

La policía registró la casa durante horas.

The police searched the house for hours.

Me registraron la maleta en la aduana.

They searched my suitcase at customs.

Direct Object

The thing or person being searched is the direct object. If you are searching a person, remember to use the 'personal a': 'Registraron a los sospechosos' (They searched the suspects).

visitar

/vee-see-TAR//bi.siˈtaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'visitar' when referring to a professional 'inspecting' or checking on something in a more routine or official capacity, like a site or patients.
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 inspector visitó la obra para verificar la seguridad.

The inspector visited/inspected the construction site to verify safety.

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. Registrar

Learners often confuse 'examinar' and 'registrar'. Remember that 'examinar' is a general check for details, while 'registrar' implies a more thorough, often official, search of a space. You wouldn't 'registrar' a wound, but you might 'examinar' it.

Related Translations

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