intrigar
verbCEFR B2
What does “intrigar” mean in English?
to intrigue, to fascinate
to intrigue, to fascinate (intrigar a alguien — arouse curiosity or interest in someone; make someone want to know more)
Example sentences
Los resultados inesperados de los análisis intrigaron a los investigadores, que decidieron ampliar el estudio.
The unexpected results of the analyses intrigued the researchers, who decided to expand the study.
Lo que me intriga de este caso es la ausencia total de evidencias materiales en la escena del crimen.
What intrigues me about this case is the total absence of physical evidence at the crime scene.
Se sabía que varios consejeros intrigaban para desplazar al director general antes de que terminara el año.
It was known that several board members were plotting to oust the managing director before the year was out.
How to use it
Intrigar means 'to intrigue', 'to fascinate', or 'to puzzle'. Structure: algo intriga a alguien (something intrigues someone). The person is always the indirect or direct object — the thing intriguing is the subject. At B2, it appears in intellectual, academic, and creative contexts. Also means 'to plot/scheme' (intrigar para conseguir algo — plot to achieve something) — a less common but important second sense. Don't confuse with fascinar (fascinate — strong positive attraction) or desconcertar (disconcert — confuse or unsettle).
Common mistake
Intrigar has two senses: (1) to intrigue/fascinate (arouse curiosity); (2) to plot/scheme (manipulate behind the scenes). Context distinguishes them. In sense 1, it is always cosa-intriga-a-persona: 'el misterio me intriga'. In sense 2, it is persona-intriga-para: 'intrigaba para ascender'.