What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curioso
Example
He's always been a curious child, asking questions about everything. [curioso: adjective]
Example
The journalist had a curious mind and was always seeking out new stories. [curious: noun]
inquisitive
Example
The little girl was very inquisitive and always wanted to know how things worked. [inquisitive: adjective]
Example
The detective had an inquisitive mind and was always looking for clues to solve the case. [inquisitive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inquisitive is more commonly used in English than curioso is in Spanish. However, both words are still used and understood by native speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curioso and inquisitive?
Both curioso and inquisitive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but inquisitive may be perceived as more formal due to its Latin roots and association with academic or intellectual settings.