encuesta
/enˈkwesta/
The English word "poll" can be translated into Spanish as encuesta.
encuesta refers to a survey or an opinion poll. To specifically indicate that a poll is measuring public opinion, you can use the phrase encuesta de opinión.
Meaning: a formal vote (noun)
Which one should you use?
While encuesta refers to a survey or an opinion poll, the word votación is used to describe the actual act of voting or a formal vote held during an election. Additionally, sondeo is a formal term used specifically for a poll used for statistical purposes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of encuesta is encuestas.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈkwesta/
Did you know?
- While encuesta describes a survey, the word sondeo comes from the verb sondear, which means to use a sounding line to measure the depth of water. This makes the term for a statistical poll literally a 'depth sounding' of public opinion.
- The Spanish encuesta shares a common root with the English word 'inquest'. Both derive from the Old French enqueste, which originally referred to a judicial investigation rather than a statistical survey.
- In Spanish, a 'poll' for a formal election is votación, but the word plebiscito is used for a specific type of direct vote where the people decide on a sovereign issue, a distinction more rigid than in English.
Examples in context
- De acuerdo a una encuesta a nivel nacional en Estados Unidos, prevalece la creencia de que los musulmanes están vinculados al terrorismo.It is a prevalent belief, according to a nationwide poll in the United States, that Muslims are linked with terrorism.This sentence shows how to use encuesta to refer to a nationwide poll.Tatoeba #958660 by hayastan, translation #1958 by AlanF_US
- Una encuesta muestra que una gran mayoría está a favor de la legislación.A poll shows that an overwhelming majority is in favor of the legislation.This sentence uses encuesta to describe what a poll shows regarding legislation.Tatoeba #775654 by darinmex, translation #271232 by darinmex
- El gobierno llevó a cabo una encuesta para conocer la opinión de los ciudadanos.The government conducted a poll to know the citizens' opinion.
- Los sondeos indican que el candidato tiene una alta aceptación en la región.The polls indicate that the candidate has high approval in the region.
- La empresa realizará una consulta entre sus empleados para saber su opinión.The company will conduct a poll among its employees to know their opinion.
- Hicieron una encuesta en la universidad para saber qué opinan los estudiantes sobre el nuevo plan de estudios.They conducted a poll at the university to know what students think about the new curriculum.
- Se está llevando a cabo un sondeo de opinión para conocer la preferencia de los consumidores.An opinion poll is being conducted to know consumers' preferences.
- La votación reveló una amplia mayoría a favor del proyecto de ley.The poll revealed a large majority in favor of the bill.
- La encuesta electoral fue publicada esta mañana.The election poll was published this morning.
Example conversation
Two colleagues discuss a recent company survey.
- ElenaJavier, ¿viste la encuesta de satisfacción?Javier, did you see the satisfaction poll?
- JavierNo, Elena. ¿Qué dicen los resultados?No, Elena. What do the results say?
- ElenaLa encuesta dice que queremos más fruta.The poll says that we want more fruit.
- JavierEso es muy probable.That is very likely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries encuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
