encuesta
/enˈkwesta/
The Spanish word for survey is encuesta.
encuesta refers to an examination of the opinions, information of a group (noun).
Meaning: an examination of the opinions, information of a group (noun)
Which one should you use?
While encuesta is a formal, structured survey, sondeo is often used for a quick poll or a preliminary probe of opinion. In Spain and some other Spanish-speaking countries, investigación de mercado is used when talking about market research surveys.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun encuesta is derived from the verb encuestar, which means to survey or to poll. There is also the verb expertizar, which means to determine the status or value of.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈkwesta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use estudio to mean a survey, but estudio refers to a general study or research, whereas encuesta specifically refers to a survey involving questions and respondents.
Did you know?
- The word encuesta shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'quest'. Both come from the Latin root 'quaerere', which means 'to seek' or 'to ask'.
- The term sondeo implies a more superficial or preliminary touch, much like using a sounding line to check the depth of water before a ship enters.
- In formal Spanish administration, the process of gathering data via encuesta is strictly separated from the act of censo, which is a mandatory population count.
Examples in context
- Él participó en una encuesta en línea.He participated in an online survey.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe participating in an online encuesta.Tatoeba #2261120 by marcelostockle, translation #1883516 by Amastan
- Estamos analizando los resultados de la encuesta.We are analysing the results of the survey.This sentence is useful for showing how to discuss analyzing the results of an encuesta.Tatoeba #11969542 by Seael, translation #12951075 by araneo
- La encuesta reveló que la mayoría de las mujeres embarazadas prefieren niñas.The survey revealed that most pregnant women prefer girls.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how an encuesta can reveal specific preferences or trends.Tatoeba #994034 by hayastan, translation #1405934 by CM
- Hemos realizado una encuesta de opinión pública.We have conducted a public opinion survey.
- El gobierno ha encargado un estudio de opinión para conocer las preferencias del electorado.The government has commissioned an opinion study to understand the electorate's preferences.
- Hemos realizado un sondeo sobre las tendencias de moda juvenil.We have conducted a survey about youth fashion trends.
- Vamos a distribuir los cuestionarios para recopilar información para nuestra encuesta.We are going to distribute the questionnaires to gather information for our survey.
- Vamos a realizar un muestreo para conocer los hábitos de consumo en esta región.We are going to conduct a survey to understand consumption habits in this region.
- Vamos a realizar una investigación de mercado para evaluar la aceptación de nuestro nuevo producto.We are going to conduct a market research survey to assess the acceptance of our new product.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a marketing project at work.
- María¿Ya terminaste la encuesta de satisfacción?Have you finished the satisfaction survey yet?
- MateoNo, todavía estoy revisando la encuesta.No, I am still reviewing the survey.
- MaríaEs una encuesta muy importante para nosotros.It is a very important survey for us.
- MateoLo sé, terminaré mi trabajo pronto.I know, I will finish my work soon.
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.
