informar
verbCEFR B2
What does “informar” mean in English?
to inform, to report
to inform, to report (informar de/sobre — provide information to someone; make a formal report)
Example sentences
La portavoz informó a los medios de comunicación sobre las medidas adoptadas por el ejecutivo.
The spokesperson informed the media about the measures adopted by the executive.
Se informa a los usuarios de que el servicio estará interrumpido esta noche por labores de mantenimiento.
Users are hereby informed that the service will be interrupted tonight for maintenance work.
Antes de firmar el contrato, conviene informarse bien sobre las condiciones y las cláusulas de rescisión.
Before signing the contract, it is advisable to find out thoroughly about the terms and termination clauses.
How to use it
Informar means 'to inform', 'to report', or 'to notify'. Structure: informar a alguien de/sobre algo (inform someone of/about something), informar de que + clause (report that...). The passive/impersonal se informa que is used in official communications. Key distinction: informar de algo (report a specific piece of news) vs. informar sobre algo (report on a topic — more general). The reflexive informarse sobre means 'to find out about / do research on'.
Common mistake
Informar de algo (report a specific fact: 'informó del accidente') vs. informar sobre algo (give an overview or report on a broader topic: 'informó sobre la situación en la región'). The preposition changes the scope. Also: informarse (reflexive) = to inform oneself = to research/find out — completely different from informar someone else.