indagar
verbCEFR B2
What does “indagar” mean in English?
to inquire into, to investigate
to inquire into, to investigate (indagar sobre — probe or research a matter carefully, often journalistic or official)
Example sentences
El periodista indagó sobre las conexiones entre el partido y la empresa constructora durante meses.
The journalist investigated the connections between the party and the construction company for months.
La comisión parlamentaria indagó en las causas del derrumbe financiero que afectó a miles de ahorradores.
The parliamentary commission inquired into the causes of the financial collapse that affected thousands of savers.
Antes de tomar una decisión tan importante, conviene indagar bien sobre los antecedentes del socio potencial.
Before making such an important decision, it is advisable to inquire thoroughly into the background of the potential partner.
How to use it
Indagar (sobre/en) means 'to inquire into', 'to investigate', or 'to probe'. More formal and deliberate than preguntar (ask). It implies systematic research or official investigation. Structure: indagar sobre/en + topic. Common contexts: journalism, legal investigation, research. Synonyms in ascending formality: preguntar < indagar < investigar. Don't confuse with investigar (investigate — broader, more systematic) or averiguar (find out — discover a specific fact).
Common mistake
Indagar (probe/inquire — deliberate, sustained) vs. averiguar (find out — discover a specific answer). 'Averigüé su dirección' (I found out his address — one specific fact). 'Indagué sobre sus actividades' (I investigated his activities — broader, ongoing inquiry). Indagar takes sobre or en, not de.