Prueba vs. Examen

To say something is resistant to something else, like 'waterproof' or 'bulletproof', you can use the pattern 'a prueba de' + noun. For example, 'un reloj a prueba de agua' (a waterproof watch).

Making Things 'Proof'

Remember that 'prueba' is very flexible. It can be the evidence in a court case, a free sample at a store, or the fitting of a wedding dress. The context tells you which meaning is intended.

More Than Just School Tests

Extremely common. You'll hear and use this word constantly in many different situations.

Forgetting the Vowel Change

Notice that 'prueba' can mean 'he/she tastes' AND 'taste!' (as a command to a friend). You'll know which one it is from the conversation. An exclamation mark often signals it's a command: `¡Prueba esto!`

Two Meanings in One Word

The verb 'probar' changes its vowel in some forms. The 'o' becomes 'ue' for 'yo', 'tú', 'él', and 'ellos'. Think of it like a boot shape in the conjugation chart—the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms are 'outside the boot' and don't change: `probamos`.

The 'Boot' Verbs (o → ue)

To say 'try on' clothes, Spanish often adds 'se': `Ella se prueba el vestido` (She tries on the dress). For tasting food or trying something out, you just use `prueba`: `Él prueba la sopa` (He tastes the soup).

Trying Clothes vs. Trying Food

This is a form of the extremely common verb 'probar'. You'll use it all the time.

Learn the complete meaning of 'prueba' in Spanish. Covers all uses: as a noun (test, proof, evidence, sample) and a verb form of 'probar' (he tries, taste!). Includes full conjugation, examples, and tips.

prueba

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations