ensayo
/en-SIGH-yo/
essay
This image shows a finished piece of writing, illustrating the meaning of ensayo as "essay."
ensayo(noun)
essay
?a piece of writing on a particular subject
paper
?academic writing
,treatise
?formal written work
📝 In Action
Mi profesor de historia nos pidió escribir un ensayo sobre la Revolución Francesa.
B1My history professor asked us to write an essay about the French Revolution.
El ensayo de ese autor es muy influyente en la filosofía moderna.
C1That author's essay is very influential in modern philosophy.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though 'ensayo' ends in 'o', which usually means it's masculine, remember that all nouns referring to written pieces of this type are masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Test'
Mistake: "Using 'ensayo' when you mean a short quiz or school test ('examen' or 'prueba')."
Correction: Use 'ensayo' only for the long-form written work or the 'rehearsal' meaning. For a quick school test, use 'examen' or 'prueba'.
Practicing for a performance, like these dancers, is an ensayo or "rehearsal."
ensayo(noun)
rehearsal
?practice for a performance
trial run
?a test before the real thing
,test
?scientific or technical trial
,practice
?sports
📝 In Action
Tuvimos el último ensayo de la obra anoche.
A2We had the final rehearsal for the play last night.
Los científicos están haciendo un ensayo clínico con el nuevo medicamento.
B2The scientists are running a clinical trial with the new medication.
El equipo de fútbol tiene un ensayo a las cinco para practicar los penaltis.
A2The soccer team has a practice at five to practice the penalties.
💡 Grammar Points
Common Verb Partner
You will most often see 'ensayo' used with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) when referring to a practice run: 'hacer un ensayo' means 'to run a trial' or 'to hold a rehearsal'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in a theater or a lab, 'ensayo' means 'rehearsal' or 'test run.' If you are in a classroom or library, it means 'essay.' Let the location guide you!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ensayo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ensayo' to mean a practice session?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'ensayo' means 'essay' or 'rehearsal'?
The context is always the key! If the surrounding words involve writing, literature, or school, it means 'essay' (like 'escribir' or 'entregar'). If the context involves music, theater, sports, or science experiments, it means 'rehearsal,' 'practice,' or 'trial run' (like 'actuar' or 'practicar').
Is 'ensayo' ever used for a simple school test?
No, generally not. For a short quiz or examination, Spanish speakers use 'examen' or 'prueba.' 'Ensayo' is reserved for a long-form written paper or a full practice session/trial.