Inklingo

How to Say "to research" in Spanish

English → Spanish

informar

in-for-MAR/in.forˈmaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'informar' when you need to find out or be told information about a topic, especially for making a decision or staying updated.
A simplified storybook character holding a large magnifying glass and intently examining a stylized symbol on the floor, symbolizing seeking information.

Examples

Antes de votar, debes informarte bien sobre los candidatos.

Before voting, you must get well informed about the candidates.

Me informo de las noticias cada mañana.

I find out about the news every morning.

¿Dónde podemos informarnos sobre el proceso de visa?

Where can we find out about the visa process?

The 'Self-Action' Verb

The 'se' at the end turns 'informar' into a reflexive verb ('informarse'). This means the person doing the action is also the one receiving it—you are informing yourself.

Pronominal Use

Remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) before the conjugated verb: 'Yo me informo', 'Tú te informas', etc.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake: “Yo informo de las noticias.”

Correction: Yo *me* informo de las noticias. (If you mean 'I find out/get informed,' you must include 'me'.)

investigar

/in-bes-ti-GAR//in.bes.tiˈɣaɾ/

verbB1formal, academic
Choose 'investigar' for more formal or in-depth research, typically in academic, scientific, or investigative contexts.
A focused scientist wearing a white lab coat, sitting at a wooden desk filled with stacks of open books and a notebook, engaged in academic study.

Examples

Los científicos están investigando la cura para esa enfermedad.

The scientists are researching the cure for that disease.

Mi tesis requiere que investigue fuentes históricas muy antiguas.

My thesis requires me to research very old historical sources.

Using 'Sobre'

When talking about the subject of your research, you often use the preposition 'sobre' (about/on): 'Investigó sobre el impacto del clima' (He researched on the impact of the climate).

Confusing Research and Study

Mistake: “Estudio la cura. (I study the cure.)”

Correction: Investigo la cura. (I research the cure.) 'Estudiar' is usually for personal learning; 'investigar' is for seeking new public knowledge.

Informar vs. Investigar

Learners often confuse 'informar' and 'investigar' because both relate to seeking information. Remember that 'informar' is for general knowledge and staying updated, while 'investigar' implies a deeper, more formal study or inquiry.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.