probado
/pro-BAH-doh/
proven
When something is probado, it is proven and verified as true or effective.
probado(adjective)
proven
?verified as true or effective
,tested
?having undergone trials
established
?accepted as fact
,verified
?confirmed
📝 In Action
Necesitamos una solución probada, no un experimento.
B1We need a proven solution, not an experiment.
Su lealtad ya está probada después de tantos años.
B2His loyalty is already proven after so many years.
Es un método probado para reducir el estrés.
B1It is a tested method for reducing stress.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'probado' must match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Remember: 'probado' (m. sing.), 'probada' (f. sing.), 'probados' (m. plural), 'probadas' (f. plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Probado' for People
Mistake: "El científico está probado."
Correction: La teoría está probada. (The theory is proven.) While you can say a person's loyalty is proven, it's more natural to apply 'probado' to things like methods, facts, or results.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Root Verb
'Probado' comes from the verb 'probar' (to try, to test). When you see 'probado', think of something that has successfully passed a test.
The word probado is also used to indicate having tried or sampled food or drink.
probado(adjective)
tried
?having sampled food or drink
,tasted
?having had a sample of
sampled
?experienced
📝 In Action
¿Es un plato que ya has probado antes?
A2Is it a dish you have tried before?
El vino probado en la cena fue excelente.
B1The wine tasted at dinner was excellent.
La receta probada por mi abuela es la mejor.
A2The recipe tried by my grandmother is the best.
💡 Grammar Points
Used in Perfect Tenses
This form ('probado') is also the core of tenses that use 'haber' (to have), such as 'He probado' (I have tried) or 'Había probado' (I had tried). It always stays the same when paired with 'haber'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Probar' and 'Intentar'
Mistake: "He probado abrir la puerta. (Literal: I have tasted/tested to open the door.)"
Correction: He intentado abrir la puerta. (I have tried [attempted] to open the door.) Use 'probar' primarily for food/testing, and 'intentar' for attempts.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking about Food
A very common question in Spanish is '¿Lo has probado?' (Have you tried/tasted it?). This is a great way to talk about local dishes.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: probado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'probado'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'probado' and 'prueba'?
'Prueba' is the noun meaning 'proof' or 'test' (e.g., 'Necesito una prueba' - I need a proof). 'Probado' is the adjective meaning 'proven' or 'tested' (e.g., 'Está probado' - It is proven).
Does 'probado' ever change its form?
Yes! When 'probado' acts as an adjective (like 'proven' or 'tested'), it must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'probado' (masculine singular), 'probada' (feminine singular), 'probados' (masculine plural), and 'probadas' (feminine plural).