Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “polygraph test” in Spanish. Whether you need to understand this term for personal or professional reasons, we’re here to help you navigate through the formal and informal ways of expressing it. In this guide, we will also provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Polygraph Test in Spanish
If you are in a formal setting or require an official terminology for a polygraph test, you can use the following phrases:
- Prueba del polígrafo – This is a direct translation of “polygraph test” and is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
- Examen del detector de mentiras – This translates to “lie detector exam” and is another formal way to refer to a polygraph test.
- Prueba de detección de engaño – This phrase can be used as an alternative to “polygraph test” and emphasizes the detection of deception.
Example Sentences:
El acusado será sometido a una prueba del polígrafo para determinar su veracidad. (The defendant will undergo a polygraph test to determine his truthfulness.)
Necesitamos realizar un examen del detector de mentiras para validar su testimonio. (We need to conduct a lie detector exam to validate his testimony.)
La compañía llevó a cabo una prueba de detección de engaño a todos sus empleados. (The company conducted a deception detection test on all its employees.)
Informal Ways to Say Polygraph Test in Spanish
If you find yourself in a more informal context or prefer to use everyday language, you can opt for the following phrases:
- Detector de mentiras – This is the informal way to say “lie detector” and can be used when referring to the device or the test itself.
- Prueba del detector – Another informal expression that directly translates to “detector test.” Although less common, it is still understood.
- Prueba de mentiras – This simple phrase translates to “lie test” and can be used informally to refer to a polygraph test.
Example Sentences:
Ellos sospechan que estoy mintiendo, ¡debería pasar el detector de mentiras! (They suspect I’m lying, I should take the lie detector!)
No puedo creer que tuvimos que hacer otra prueba del detector en el trabajo. (I can’t believe we had to do another detector test at work.)
Carlos siempre reta a sus amigos a una prueba de mentiras solo por diversión. (Carlos always challenges his friends to a lie test just for fun.)
Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned phrases are understandable across various Spanish-speaking regions, there might be slight regional variations. We’ll explore a few of these below:
Mexico and Central America
In Mexico and Central America, it is common to use the term “detector de mentira” or “prueba del detector” to refer to a polygraph test.
Spain
In Spain, the most commonly used phrase is “prueba del polígrafo,” similar to the formal way of saying it. However, you might also come across the term “detector de mentiras” since it is widely understood.
South America
South American countries generally use the same phrases as the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier, such as “prueba del polígrafo” or “detector de mentiras.” However, there might be slight variations in local slang or informal expressions depending on the country.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel confident in your ability to express the term “polygraph test” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase based on your audience and the level of formality required. Whether you need to use the more formal “prueba del polígrafo” or the informal “detector de mentiras,” people will understand your intent. Additionally, regional variations may exist, but the core phrases covered in this guide will be universally understood. Good luck with your Spanish language endeavors!
