muestra
“muestra” means “sample” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sample, specimen
Also: proof, display
📝 In Action
¿Podría darme una muestra del queso?
A1Could you give me a sample of the cheese?
El doctor pidió una muestra de orina.
A2The doctor requested a urine specimen.
La exposición es una muestra del arte moderno.
B1The exhibition is a display of modern art.
shows, is showing
Also: show!
📝 In Action
El mapa muestra dónde estamos.
A1The map shows where we are.
Él siempre muestra mucha confianza.
A2He always displays a lot of confidence.
¡Muestra tu pasaporte, por favor!
A2Show your passport, please! (Formal command)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: muestra
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'muestra' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Spanish verb *mostrar*, which itself evolved from the Latin verb *monstrare*, meaning 'to show' or 'to point out.' The noun meaning developed directly from the verb's action.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'muestra' related to 'monstruo' (monster)?
Yes, in terms of history! Both words come from the Latin verb *monstrare* (to show). A 'muestra' is something shown for analysis, and a 'monstruo' was originally something 'shown' or 'displayed' as an unnatural wonder or sign.
How do I know if 'muestra' is a noun or a verb in a sentence?
Look at the words around it. If you see 'la' or 'una' before it (*la muestra*), it is the noun ('the sample'). If you see a subject like 'él' or 'ella' and it describes an action (*él muestra*), it is the verb ('he shows').