Guide: How to Say “Examine” in Spanish

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “examine” in Spanish! Whether you are learning the language for travel, work, or personal enrichment, understanding different ways to express the concept of examination will greatly enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying “examine” in Spanish, providing tips, examples, and insights along the way. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Examine”

It’s important to know how to express the notion of examination formally in Spanish, especially in professional or academic environments. Here are a few formal phrases that you can use:

1. Examinar – This is the most common and general way to say “examine” in a formal context. It can be used in various scenarios, such as medical examinations or detailed inspections. For example:
   

   El médico va a examinar a su paciente. (The doctor is going to examine their patient.)

2. Analizar – This verb specifically emphasizes the analysis component of examination. It is often used in scientific or research contexts. For example:
   

   Es necesario analizar los resultados del experimento. (It is necessary to examine/analyze the results of the experiment.)

3. Inspeccionar – When the emphasis is on thorough inspection or examination, particularly in cases of scrutiny or surveillance, this verb is a great choice. For example:
   

   Los agentes de seguridad van a inspeccionar el equipaje. (The security agents are going to examine/inspect the luggage.)

4. Evaluar – This verb denotes examination with the purpose of evaluation or assessment. It is often used in educational or performance-related contexts. For example:
   

   La profesora va a evaluar los exámenes de los estudiantes. (The teacher is going to examine/evaluate the students’ exams.)

Informal Ways to Say “Examine”

In less formal settings or daily conversations, you may come across alternative ways to express the idea of examination. Here are some informal expressions that can come in handy:

1. Revisar – This verb is commonly used in informal conversations and refers to a quick or casual examination. For example:
   

   Voy a revisar mi trabajo antes de entregarlo. (I’m going to examine/review my work before submitting it.)

2. Echar un vistazo a – This phrase translates to “take a look at” and is often used when you want to briefly examine something. For example:
   

   Déjame echar un vistazo a tu informe. (Let me take a look at your report.)

3. Mirar – While primarily meaning “to look” or “to watch,” in informal contexts, “mirar” can also convey the sense of examining or scrutinizing something. For example:
   

   Voy a mirar el producto más de cerca antes de comprarlo. (I’m going to examine/look closely at the product before buying it.)

Regional Variations

Spanish is spoken across various countries, and regional variations exist in vocabulary and expressions. The phrases mentioned above are broadly understood and used in many Spanish-speaking regions. However, it’s worth noting that some countries may have their own regional variations. Here are a few examples:

• In Mexico, “examinar” and “analizar” are commonly used in both formal and informal situations.
• In Argentina, “revisar” and “mirar” are frequently used, while “examinar” and “evaluar” are also understood.
• In Spain, you will often hear “examinar,” “inspeccionar,” and “evaluar” in formal scenarios, and “revisar” and “mirar” in informal contexts.

Remember that these regional variations exist alongside the more universally understood phrases mentioned earlier. Understanding regional variations can add depth to your Spanish language skills and help you adapt to specific cultural contexts.

Additional Tips for Language Learning

Now that you know various ways to say “examine” in Spanish, here are a few additional tips to enhance your language learning journey:

• Practice with native speakers: Engaging in conversations with native Spanish speakers will not only enhance your pronunciation and vocabulary but also provide insights into cultural nuances.
• Read and listen to authentic materials: Expose yourself to different types of authentic Spanish content, such as books, newspapers, podcasts, or movies, to broaden your understanding of the language in real-world contexts.
• Use language-learning apps: Take advantage of technology and utilize language-learning apps that offer interactive exercises, vocabulary drills, and conversation practice.
• Immerse yourself in the culture: Immerse yourself in the Spanish-speaking culture as much as possible. This can include watching Spanish films, TV series, or even traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.
• Be patient and persevere: Learning a new language is a journey that requires time and dedication. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes or challenges. Stay motivated and celebrate your progress along the way.

With these tips and the knowledge gained from this guide, you are well-equipped to say “examine” in Spanish confidently and accurately in both formal and informal situations. ¡Buena suerte!