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"Indagar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to investigate", and "investigar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to investigate". Learn more about the difference between "indagar" and "investigar" below.
indagar(
een
-
dah
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to search)
a. to investigate
Los detectives revisaron las pruebas y comenzaron a indagar a los sospechosos.The detectives reviewed the evidence and started investigating the suspects.
b. to inquire into (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La policía continúa indagando el caso de homicidio.The police are inquiring into the murder case.
c. to enquire into (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Dos detectives vinieron a mi casa a indagar el robo al banco.Two detectives came to my house to enquire into the bank robbery.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to investigate
El detective privado dijo que todavía no tiene pruebas y que sigue indagando.The private detective said that he still has no evidence and is still investigating.
investigar(
eem
-
behs
-
tee
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to investigate
Se designaron cinco detectives para que investiguen el caso.Five detectives were assigned to investigate the case.
b. to look into
Creo que deberíamos investigar el asunto más antes de tomar una decisión.I think we should look into the matter more before taking a decision.
a. to research
Antes de escribir el ensayo, tengo que investigar el tema meticulosamente.Before I write the paper, I need to research the topic meticulously.
b. to do research into
Para la próxima clase, investiguen el catolicismo en la Edad Media.For next class, do research into Catholicism in the Middle Ages.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to investigate
La policía decidió no investigar más.The police decided not to investigate any further.
a. to do research
Los científicos están investigando sobre los combustibles fósiles.The scientists are doing research into fossil fuels.
