Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| examinar | /eɡsamiˈnaɾ/ |
| analizar | /analiˈθaɾ/ /analiˈsaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of observing or inspecting something carefully or critically. Depending on the context, you might choose different words: analizar emphasizes the analysis of data or complex information, inspeccionar is used for thorough scrutiny or surveillance and evaluar is used when the purpose of the examination is assessment or evaluation.
Which one should you use?
While examinar focuses on the act of physical observation or inspection, analizar is more commonly used to describe the intellectual process of breaking down data or complex information.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, both examinar and analizar are commonly used in formal and informal situations. In Spain, you will frequently hear examinar, inspeccionar and evaluar in formal scenarios, while revisar and mirar are often used in informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
examinar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows the standard patterns for verbs ending in -ar.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsamiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of examinar is exāmen, which originally referred to a grain of sand or a small weight used to test the purity of something.
- In a clinical setting, a doctor uses examinar for the physical touch and inspection of a patient, but uses analizar for the interpretation of laboratory data.
- The Spanish suffix -izar is a powerful tool used to transform nouns directly into verbs, as seen in the transition from the noun análisis to the verb analizar.
Examples in context
- El doctor comenzó a examinarla.The doctor started to examine her.This sentence shows a doctor beginning to use examinar.Tatoeba #2229640 by marcelostockle, translation #394825 by CK
- Entonces el médico empezó a examinarla.So the doctor started to examine her.This sentence shows a medical professional beginning to use examinar.Tatoeba #1244873 by Shishir, translation #27916 by Vee
- Creo que aún debemos examinar el resto.I think we still have to examine the rest.This sentence shows the necessity to use examinar for the rest of something.Tatoeba #2260429 by marcelostockle, translation #2260430 by marcelostockle
- El médico va a examinar a su paciente.The doctor is going to examine their patient.
- Es necesario analizar los resultados del experimento.It is necessary to examine/analyze the results of the experiment.
- Los agentes de seguridad van a inspeccionar el equipaje.The security agents are going to examine/inspect the luggage.
- Voy a revisar mi trabajo antes de entregarlo.I'm going to examine/review my work before submitting it.
- Déjame echar un vistazo a tu informe.Let me take a look at your report.
- Voy a mirar el producto más de cerca antes de comprarlo.I'm going to examine/look closely at the product before buying it.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking at a suspicious piece of jewelry in a shop.
- Daniel¿Podría examinar este anillo, por favor?Could you examine this ring, please?
- SofíaSí, déjeme examinarlo con mi lupa.Yes, let me examine it with my magnifying glass.
- DanielParece que tiene una pequeña grieta.It seems to have a small crack.
- SofíaTiene razón, es un detalle importante.You are right, it is an important detail.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “examine” translations and entries examinar, analizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries analizar, examinar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
