Inklingo

How to Say "to review" in Spanish

English → Spanish

repasar

/reh-pah-SAHR//re.paˈsaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'repasar' when you are studying or going over notes, material, or information to prepare for something like an exam or to refresh your memory.
A student at a wooden desk carefully reading through a notebook with colored highlights.

Examples

Necesito repasar mis apuntes para el examen de mañana.

I need to review my notes for tomorrow's exam.

Repasamos la lección de ayer antes de empezar la nueva.

We go over yesterday's lesson before starting the new one.

Si repasas diez minutos al día, aprenderás más rápido.

If you review ten minutes a day, you will learn faster.

Direct Action

Unlike English where we often 'review FOR' an exam, in Spanish you simply 'repasar el examen' (the exam is what you are reviewing).

The Meaning of 'Re-'

The prefix 're-' means 'again.' So, 'repasar' literally means 'to pass over it again' with your eyes or mind.

Don't use 'para'

Mistake: “Voy a repasar para la clase.”

Correction: Voy a repasar la clase (or 'lo que dimos en clase').

criticar

/cree-tee-CAR//kɾitiˈkaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'criticar' for a formal or professional analysis and evaluation of something, like a piece of work, a performance, or a plan, often with the aim of improvement.
A person sitting at a desk carefully examining a chef's plate of food with a magnifying glass.

Examples

El profesor criticó el ensayo de forma constructiva.

The teacher reviewed the essay in a constructive way.

Es difícil criticar una obra de arte tan compleja.

It is difficult to critique such a complex work of art.

Constructive vs. Negative

In formal contexts, this word is often neutral and refers to the act of analysis rather than just being 'mean' or disapproving.

comentar

/ko-men-TAR//komenˈtaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'comentar' when giving a professional critique or commentary on something, such as a text, film, or event, often for an audience.
A person wearing large headphones speaking into a professional microphone on a stand.

Examples

Ella comenta los partidos de tenis en la televisión nacional.

She provides commentary for the tennis matches on national television.

El profesor nos pidió comentar este poema de Lorca.

The teacher asked us to critique/provide commentary on this poem by Lorca.

Analyzing Texts

In academic settings, 'comentar' refers to a specific exercise called 'comentario de texto,' where you analyze the structure and meaning of a writing.

Study vs. Professional Critique

The most common mistake is using 'repasar' when you mean to professionally analyze or critique something. Remember, 'repasar' is for studying or going over information for personal review, not for public or professional evaluation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.