The verb "consultar" means to seek information or advice from someone or something. In both general and legal contexts, it is often used when referring to obtaining guidance or clarification from a more knowledgeable source, such as a professional, a document, or even a database.
"Consultar" has moderate frequency of use in both oral and written Spanish, though it tends to be more commonly found in written contexts such as legal documents, academic texts, and professional settings.
Es importante consultar con un abogado antes de tomar decisiones legales.
It is important to consult with a lawyer before making legal decisions.
Voy a consultar el manual para saber cómo arreglar la máquina.
I will consult the manual to find out how to fix the machine.
Antes de presentar el informe, es necesario consultar las últimas estadísticas.
Before submitting the report, it is necessary to consult the latest statistics.
The verb "consultar" is frequently used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are some:
Consultar las estrellas
This expression means to consult astrology or astrological predictions.
No debes tomar decisiones importantes basándote solo en consultar las estrellas.
You shouldn’t make important decisions based solely on consulting the stars.
Consultar a la almohada
This phrase means to sleep on it or think things over.
Voy a consultar a la almohada antes de decidirme por un trabajo.
I will sleep on it before deciding on a job.
Consultar con la conciencia
This means to consider one’s own feelings or morals before making a decision.
Ella siempre prefiere consultar con la conciencia antes de actuar.
She always prefers to consult with her conscience before acting.
The word "consultar" comes from the Latin "consultare," which is a frequentative verb form of "consulere," meaning "to consult" or "to deliberate." The root conveys the effort of seeking advice or deliberation.
Revisar (to review/check)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive breakdown provides a deeper understanding of the word "consultar," highlighting its meanings, usages, expressions, and more in the Spanish language.