Inklingo
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ensayos

/en-SAH-yos/

essays

A neat stack of paper with a wooden pencil resting on top.

A stack of papers representing written essays.

ensayos(noun)

mB1

essays

?

written compositions

Also:

pieces of writing

?

short literary works

📝 In Action

He escrito tres ensayos sobre la historia de España.

B1

I have written three essays about the history of Spain.

Los ensayos de este autor son muy profundos.

B2

This author's essays are very profound.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • escritos (writings)
  • redacciones (compositions)

Common Collocations

  • escribir ensayos – to write essays
  • entrega de ensayos – essay submission

💡 Grammar Points

Plural rules

To make 'ensayo' plural, you simply add an '-s' because it ends in a vowel. This changes it from one essay to many essays.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing with 'tests'

Mistake: "Using 'ensayos' for a school exam."

Correction: Use 'exámenes' for school tests. Use 'ensayos' only for written papers or practice sessions.

⭐ Usage Tips

Academic context

In a university setting, if a professor asks for 'ensayos', they are looking for formal papers with a specific argument.

A violin on a music stand in front of an empty chair.

A music stand and instrument prepared for a rehearsal.

ensayos(noun)

mB1

rehearsals

?

performing arts practice

Also:

practice sessions

?

general preparation for a performance

📝 In Action

Los ensayos de la obra de teatro son todas las tardes.

B1

The rehearsals for the play are every afternoon.

No puedo ir al cine porque tengo ensayos con mi banda.

A2

I can't go to the movies because I have rehearsals with my band.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • prácticas (practices)

Common Collocations

  • ensayos generales – dress rehearsals
  • sala de ensayos – rehearsal room

⭐ Usage Tips

Performance practice

While 'práctica' is generic practice, 'ensayo' specifically refers to practicing for a performance or public show.

Glass test tubes in a rack filled with colorful liquids.

Test tubes in a lab representing scientific trials.

ensayos(noun)

mB2

trials

?

scientific or clinical testing

Also:

tests

?

laboratory analysis

,

attempts

?

trying something out

📝 In Action

Los ensayos clínicos de la nueva vacuna fueron un éxito.

C1

The clinical trials of the new vaccine were a success.

Hicimos varios ensayos antes de lograr el resultado final.

B2

We made several attempts before achieving the final result.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • ensayo y error – trial and error
  • ensayos clínicos – clinical trials

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ensayos

Question 1 of 2

If you are playing in a band and you meet on Friday to practice for a concert, what are you doing?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ensayar(to rehearse/to try) - verb
ensayista(essayist) - noun
ensayo(essay/rehearsal) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ensayos' ever a verb?

No, 'ensayos' is only a plural noun. If you want to say 'you rehearse' (verb), you would say 'ensayas'.

Can I use 'ensayos' for school homework?

Yes, if the homework is writing a short paper or composition on a specific topic.