probando
/proh-BAHN-doh/
trying
When someone is probando (trying) to achieve something, they are making an attempt.
probando(Gerund)
trying
?attempting an action or process
,testing
?checking functionality
sampling
?a small amount
📝 In Action
Estamos probando el nuevo sistema operativo antes de lanzarlo.
A2We are testing the new operating system before launching it.
¿Qué estás probando? ¿Funciona?
A1What are you trying? Does it work?
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Continuous Actions
The word 'probando' is the '-ing' form (the gerund). You almost always use it with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action is happening right now: 'Estoy probando' (I am trying).
Always Ends in -ando
Since the base verb 'probar' ends in '-ar', its gerund form always ends in '-ando'. Verbs ending in '-er' or '-ir' use '-iendo' instead.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: "Soy probando."
Correction: Estoy probando. The verb 'estar' describes temporary, ongoing actions, while 'ser' describes permanent qualities.
⭐ Usage Tips
Testing Equipment
Use 'probando' when you are checking if a piece of equipment, a microphone, or a computer program works correctly. Think of it as 'running a check.'
Probando can mean sampling food or drink, like tasting a new recipe.
probando(Gerund)
tasting
?sampling food or drink
trying out (a recipe)
?experimenting with cooking
📝 In Action
La chef está probando la salsa para ver si necesita más sal.
A1The chef is tasting the sauce to see if it needs more salt.
Estuvimos probando vinos de la región toda la tarde.
B1We were tasting wines from the region all afternoon.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Probar' vs 'Intentar'
When referring to food, you must use 'probando' (tasting). You cannot use 'intentando,' which is only for trying to do an action ('intentando abrir la puerta').
If you are probando clothes or shoes, you are trying them on to see if they fit.
probando(Gerund)
trying on
?clothing, shoes, accessories
📝 In Action
Elena está probándose el vestido rojo en el vestidor.
A2Elena is trying on the red dress in the fitting room.
El niño sigue probando diferentes tallas de zapatos.
A2The boy keeps trying on different shoe sizes.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use for Clothing
When trying on clothes, the verb is usually reflexive, meaning the action is done to oneself. This requires adding 'se' or 'me/te/nos' to the gerund: 'probándose' (trying on for herself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Placement of Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Se está probando."
Correction: Está probándose OR Se está probando. Both are correct, but placing the pronoun at the end of the gerund ('probándose') is often smoother.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: probando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'probando' to mean 'tasting'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'probando' the same as 'intentando'?
'Probando' (from 'probar') means 'testing,' 'tasting,' or 'trying on.' 'Intentando' (from 'intentar') means 'attempting' an action. If you are trying to open a door, use 'intentando.' If you are trying a new food, use 'probando.'
Why does the gerund 'probando' not have the vowel change (o to ue) that 'probar' has in the present tense?
The gerund form is very stable and regular. While the present tense of 'probar' changes to 'pruebo' (I try), the continuous action form ('probando') keeps the original 'o' sound. This is true for all stem-changing verbs in the gerund.