ensayo
“ensayo” means “essay” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
essay
Also: paper, treatise
📝 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.
rehearsal
Also: trial run, test, practice
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ensayo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ensayo' to mean a practice session?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'ensayar' (to test or try). This verb traces back to the Late Latin word *exagium*, which meant 'a weighing' or 'a testing of quality,' especially for coins. This history links the two modern meanings: testing an idea (essay) and testing a performance (rehearsal).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.