Inklingo

How to Say "to inspect" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to inspect” is “examinar” — use 'examinar' when you are looking closely at something or someone to check for details, problems, or information, often in a medical or analytical context.

English → Spanish

examinar

ex-ah-mee-NAReksa.miˈnaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'examinar' when you are looking closely at something or someone to check for details, problems, or information, often in a medical or analytical 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.

inspeccionar

ins-pek-syo-narinspeksjoˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'inspeccionar' when you are formally or officially looking at something to check its condition, quality, or safety, especially in a professional or technical setting.
A curious person using a magnifying glass to look closely at a bright green leaf.

Examples

El mecánico tiene que inspeccionar los frenos del coche.

The mechanic has to inspect the car's brakes.

Debemos inspeccionar la casa antes de comprarla.

We must inspect the house before buying it.

El guardia va a inspeccionar todas las mochilas en la entrada.

The guard is going to inspect all the backpacks at the entrance.

Standard Verb Pattern

This is a regular '-ar' verb. It follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'caminar,' so once you know one, you know them all!

The 'Personal A'

If you are inspecting a person (like a doctor checking a patient or security checking a traveler), you must use the word 'a' before the person: 'Inspeccionar a los pasajeros.'

Missing the double 'c'

Mistake: “inspecionar”

Correction: inspeccionar. Remember it has two 'c's, just like the English word 'inspection' has a 'c' and a 't'.

registrar

rre-hees-TRARrexisˈtɾaɾ

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

Examples

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-TARbi.siˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'visitar' when a professional, like a doctor or an inspector, makes a scheduled or routine check on a place or person they are responsible for.
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.

General vs. Official Inspection

Learners often confuse 'examinar' and 'inspeccionar'. Remember that 'examinar' is a general look for details or problems, while 'inspeccionar' implies a more formal check of condition or quality, often in a professional context.

Related Translations

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