Encuesta vs. sondeo
In the Spanish language, both 'encuesta' and 'sondeo' can be translated to 'poll' or 'survey', but there are subtle differences in their usage.
Encuesta
'Encuesta' generally refers to a formal survey or poll. It is often used in contexts where data is being systematically collected from a sample of respondents, typically through questionnaires or structured interviews.
Realizamos una encuesta para evaluar la satisfacción de los clientes.
(We conducted a survey to assess customer satisfaction.)
La encuesta se llevó a cabo en varias ciudades del país.
(The survey was conducted in several cities across the country.)
Los resultados de la encuesta serán publicados la próxima semana.
(The results of the survey will be published next week.)
Sondeo
'Sondeo' usually means an opinion poll and can have a more informal connotation compared to 'encuesta'. It is often used for collecting opinions or preliminary data, sometimes through less structured means such as street interviews or quick feedback forms.
Hicimos un sondeo rápido entre los empleados para conocer su opinión sobre el cambio.
(We did a quick poll among employees to know their opinion on the change.)
El sondeo reveló que la mayoría de los votantes está a favor del candidato.
(The poll revealed that most voters are in favor of the candidate.)
En el sondeo de salida, se anticipaba una victoria aplastante.
(In the exit poll, a landslide victory was anticipated.)
Summary
While both words translate to 'poll' or 'survey', 'encuesta' tends to refer to more formal and systematic data collection methods, often with structured methodologies. On the other hand, 'sondeo' implies a more informal or preliminary gathering of opinions and can involve less systematic approaches.