probar
/proh-BAHR/
try
When you probar food, you are trying a sample to see how it tastes.
probar(verb)
try
?to sample food or drink
,taste
?to sample food or drink
📝 In Action
¿Quieres probar mi helado de mango?
A1Do you want to try my mango ice cream?
Probamos muchos platos típicos en el mercado.
A2We tasted many traditional dishes at the market.
Nunca pruebo el vino tinto, solo bebo blanco.
A2I never try red wine; I only drink white.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change Alert (o → ue)
The vowel 'o' changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on the root of the verb (yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas). Remember, nosotros and vosotros are usually the exceptions: 'probamos', not 'pruebamos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Probar vs. Intentar
Mistake: "Using 'probar' when trying to perform an action (e.g., *Probar a abrir la puerta*)."
Correction: Use 'intentar' or 'tratar de' when you mean 'to attempt' an action: 'Intentar abrir la puerta' (To try to open the door).
Scientists probar (test) equipment and hypotheses to check their functionality or validity.
probar(verb)
test
?equipment or hypothesis
,try out
?new methods or ideas
📝 In Action
Debemos probar el coche nuevo antes de comprarlo.
A2We must test the new car before buying it.
El director quiere probar una política diferente.
B1The director wants to try out a different policy.
Probamos la conexión a internet varias veces.
A2We tested the internet connection several times.
💡 Grammar Points
Probar + Noun
In this meaning, 'probar' is almost always followed directly by the thing being tested (a noun, like 'the computer' or 'the method').
To probar something means to establish its truth or fact with evidence.
probar(verb)
prove
?to establish truth or fact
,demonstrate
?to show definitively
📝 In Action
Necesitas documentos para probar tu edad.
B1You need documents to prove your age.
El científico no pudo probar su hipótesis con los datos.
B2The scientist could not prove his hypothesis with the data.
Su comportamiento prueba que está equivocado.
B1His behavior proves that he is wrong.
💡 Grammar Points
Usage with 'Que'
When 'probar' introduces a statement of fact, it is usually followed by 'que' and the simple verb form (indicative): 'El reporte prueba que funciona' (The report proves that it works).
Before buying clothes, you usually probar them (try them on) to check the fit.
📝 In Action
¿Puedo probarme esta camisa en una talla más grande?
A2Can I try on this shirt in a bigger size?
Me pruebo los zapatos antes de comprarlos.
A2I try on the shoes before buying them.
Ella se probó diez vestidos, pero no le gustó ninguno.
B1She tried on ten dresses, but didn't like any of them.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Makes It Personal
Adding the 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' etc.) changes the meaning from just 'testing' to 'testing on oneself.' You must include the reflexive pronoun (e.g., me pruebo, se prueba).
Where the Pronoun Goes
The reflexive pronoun can attach to the end of the infinitive (Voy a probármelos) or go before the conjugated verb (Me los voy a probar). Both are correct!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Using 'Probar la camisa' when you mean 'I try on the shirt.'"
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Me pruebo la camisa.' Without the pronoun, it means 'I taste the shirt' or 'I test the shirt' (like a quality check).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: probar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form of 'probar'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'probar' y 'intentar'?
Use 'probar' when you are sampling something (food, clothes, a device) or showing evidence (proving a fact). Use 'intentar' (or 'tratar de') when you mean 'to attempt' or 'to try' to carry out a specific action or goal (like 'I tried to call you').
Does 'probar' always have the o > ue stem change?
No, only in the present tense forms where the stress falls on the root, such as *yo pruebo* or *tú pruebas*. The *nosotros* and *vosotros* forms are regular: *probamos* and *probáis*.