cuestionar
verbCEFR B1
What does “cuestionar” mean in English?
to question, to challenge validity
to question, to challenge validity (cuestionar que + subjunctive — doubt trigger, formal)
Example sentences
Muchos investigadores cuestionan que ese método sea lo suficientemente riguroso para extraer conclusiones válidas.
Many researchers question whether that method is rigorous enough to draw valid conclusions.
No cuestiono su intención, pero sí cuestiono que los resultados justifiquen la inversión realizada.
I don't question their intention, but I do question whether the results justify the investment made.
El sindicato ha cuestionado las decisiones de la empresa y exige una reunión urgente.
The union has questioned the company's decisions and is demanding an urgent meeting.
How to use it
Cuestionar means 'to question' or 'to call into doubt' — in the sense of challenging validity, not asking a literal question (that is preguntar). When followed by a que-clause, it triggers subjunctive: 'Varios expertos cuestionan que los resultados sean definitivos'. Cuestionar is more formal than dudar and implies a critical, analytical challenge. It is transitive in its simplest form: 'Cuestionan sus métodos' (direct object, no que-clause, no subjunctive).
Common mistake
Cuestionar que triggers subjunctive, but cuestionar + direct object does not. 'Cuestionan sus datos' (they question their data) is straightforward transitive. Only when a full que-clause follows does the subjunctive apply. Also: cuestionar means 'to challenge/doubt' — not 'to ask a question', which is preguntar.