Inklingo

How to Say "to spot" in Spanish

English → Spanish

detectar

/deh-tehk-TAHR//detekˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'detectar' when you mean to find or notice something concrete, like an error, a signal, or a physical object, often with the help of a tool or keen observation.
A detective with a magnifying glass examining a single glowing footprint on the ground.

Examples

El satélite pudo detectar la señal de socorro.

The satellite was able to detect the distress signal.

El radar puede detectar aviones a gran distancia.

The radar can detect planes at a great distance.

El médico detectó un pequeño problema en los análisis.

The doctor detected a small problem in the tests.

Si detectas algún error en el documento, avísame.

If you notice any error in the document, let me know.

Using 'A' with People

When you detect a person (like a thief), you must put the word 'a' before them: 'Detectaron a un intruso'. If it's an object, like a sound, you don't need it: 'Detectaron un ruido'.

A Friendly Regular Verb

This verb is completely regular! It follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all its forms.

Detectar vs. Sentir

Mistake: “Detecto cansancio.”

Correction: Siento cansancio. Use 'detectar' for external things you discover, but 'sentir' for internal feelings or physical sensations you have yourself.

pescar

pes-CAR/pesˈkaɾ/

verbB1informal
Use 'pescar' figuratively to mean 'to catch on' or 'to understand,' especially when you realize a mistake or deception that others might miss.
A stylized drawing of a person with a bright, glowing lightbulb suddenly appearing above their head, symbolizing a moment of understanding or realization.

Examples

No pesqué la ironía en su comentario hasta el final.

I didn't catch the irony in his comment until the end.

El profesor explicó la fórmula tres veces, pero yo no pesqué nada.

The teacher explained the formula three times, but I didn't catch anything (didn't understand anything).

Ella intentó mentir, pero él la pescó al instante.

She tried to lie, but he caught her instantly (he spotted the lie).

Using the Negative

This meaning is very common in negative sentences, often meaning 'not to grasp' or 'not to understand at all,' like 'no pesqué la broma' (I didn't get the joke).

Detectar vs. Pescar

Learners often confuse 'detectar' and 'pescar' because both can relate to 'noticing.' Remember that 'detectar' is for finding something observable or measurable, while 'pescar' is more about understanding or realizing something, often a subtle point or a falsehood.

Related Translations

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