Meaning
To carry out research or an investigation.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'realizar un estudio' is often associated with the 'CSIC' (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), the main scientific body. Mentioning it in conversation implies a high level of rigor. In Mexican business culture, formality is highly valued. Using 'realizar' instead of 'hacer' in a presentation is seen as a sign of respect toward the audience. While Argentines are known for being more informal in speech (using 'vos'), in academic settings like the UBA (University of Buenos Aires), 'realizar un estudio' remains the strict standard. Colombian Spanish is often cited as being very 'proper'. You will hear 'realizar' even in semi-formal radio interviews or local news more frequently than in other regions.
The 'Se' Trick
In formal writing, use 'Se realizó un estudio' instead of 'Yo realicé un estudio' to sound more objective.
False Friend Alert
Remember that 'realizar' does NOT mean 'to realize' (become aware). Use 'darse cuenta' for that!
Meaning
To carry out research or an investigation.
The 'Se' Trick
In formal writing, use 'Se realizó un estudio' instead of 'Yo realicé un estudio' to sound more objective.
False Friend Alert
Remember that 'realizar' does NOT mean 'to realize' (become aware). Use 'darse cuenta' for that!
Academic Weight
Using this phrase in a university setting immediately signals that you understand academic norms.
Preposition Choice
Use 'sobre' for general topics and 'de' for specific types (e.g., 'estudio de mercado').
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'realizar' en el pasado (pretérito indefinido).
El año pasado, nosotros __________ un estudio sobre el clima.
For 'nosotros' in the past tense, the form is 'realizamos'.
Selecciona la opción más adecuada para un informe académico.
El objetivo de este trabajo es __________ un estudio de las leyes actuales.
'Realizar' is the most formal and appropriate verb for an academic objective.
Empareja el tipo de estudio con su contexto más probable.
Contextos y Estudios
These are all standard collocations using 'realizar un estudio'.
Completa el diálogo formal.
Jefe: ¿Cómo va el proyecto? Empleado: Bien, estamos __________ un estudio de los costes.
The present continuous 'estamos realizando' indicates the action is in progress.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl año pasado, nosotros __________ un estudio sobre el clima.
For 'nosotros' in the past tense, the form is 'realizamos'.
El objetivo de este trabajo es __________ un estudio de las leyes actuales.
'Realizar' is the most formal and appropriate verb for an academic objective.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all standard collocations using 'realizar un estudio'.
Jefe: ¿Cómo va el proyecto? Empleado: Bien, estamos __________ un estudio de los costes.
The present continuous 'estamos realizando' indicates the action is in progress.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIn writing and professional settings, yes. In casual speech, 'hacer' is more common.
Yes, it's a perfect synonym and very common in scientific contexts.
Se dice 'realicé un estudio' (I) or 'se realizó un estudio' (it was done).
Mostly, yes. It's rarely used in very casual slang.
Usually 'sobre' (about) or 'de' (of).
Yes! 'Realizar un sueño' means to make a dream come true.
It is masculine: 'el estudio' or 'un estudio'.
Because in Spanish, 'z' changes to 'c' before the letter 'e'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used in all Spanish-speaking regions.
'Llevar a cabo' emphasizes the process and completion, while 'realizar' is a general formal verb for 'to do'.
Yes, it's very common in medical contexts.
Yes, except for the z/c spelling change.
It sounds authoritative and objective.
Not usually. For that, use 'cursar estudios' or simply 'estudiar'. 'Realizar un estudio' is for a specific research project.
Related Phrases
llevar a cabo
synonymto carry out
investigación de campo
specialized formfield research
análisis de datos
builds ondata analysis
sacar conclusiones
builds onto draw conclusions
estudio de mercado
specialized formmarket study
