probarlo
/proh-BAHR-loh/
to taste it
Use 'probarlo' when you are ready to taste it (referring to food or drink).
probarlo(verb)
to taste it
?food or drink
,to try it
?food or drink
to sample it
?a dish or beverage
📝 In Action
¿Puedo probarlo antes de decidir?
A1Can I taste it before deciding?
Tienes que probarlo, está delicioso.
A1You have to try it, it's delicious.
💡 Grammar Points
The Structure of 'Probarlo'
This word is the verb 'probar' (to try/taste) joined with the pronoun 'lo' (it). 'Lo' acts as the receiver of the action (the direct object).
Pronoun Placement Rule
When a sentence uses two verbs (like 'I want to try it'), the pronoun 'lo' can either go before the first verb ('Lo quiero probar') or attached to the second verb, the infinitive ('Quiero probarlo').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'probar' and 'probarse'
Mistake: "Using 'probarlo' when you mean 'probarse la ropa' (to try on clothes for yourself)."
Correction: If you are trying on a shirt for yourself, use the reflexive form 'probarse': 'Voy a probármela' (I am going to try it on myself). Use 'probarlo' only if the action isn't reflexive.
⭐ Usage Tips
Masculine 'It'
Remember 'lo' replaces a masculine singular object, like 'el helado' (the ice cream). If you were tasting 'la sopa' (the soup), you would use 'probarla'.
If you want to try it out (like a new gadget or method), use 'probarlo'.
probarlo(verb)
to try it out
?testing an object or method
,to test it
?equipment or software
to give it a go
?an attempt or challenge
📝 In Action
Necesito probarlo antes de comprar el coche.
A2I need to try it out before buying the car.
Es un método nuevo, vamos a probarlo.
B1It's a new method, let's try it (test it).
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Probarlo' as a Command
When giving a positive command (imperative), the pronoun is always attached to the verb, and an accent mark is added: '¡Pruébalo!' (Try it!).
'Probarlo' also means to prove it, like demonstrating the truth of a statement.
probarlo(verb)
to prove it
?demonstrating a fact or truth
,to demonstrate it
?establishing evidence
to substantiate it
?a claim
📝 In Action
Es difícil probarlo sin testigos.
B2It is difficult to prove it without witnesses.
El informe debe probarlo con datos concretos.
C1The report must prove it with concrete data.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Lo' for Concepts
In this meaning, 'lo' often refers to an entire idea, concept, or previously stated fact, rather than a physical object. This use of 'lo' is very common in Spanish.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: probarlo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'probarlo' in the sense of 'to prove a fact'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'probarlo' and 'probarse'?
Both relate to trying something. 'Probarlo' means 'to try/taste it' where 'it' is an external object (like food or a car). 'Probarse' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to try something on oneself,' usually clothing. Example: 'Voy a probármelo' (I am going to try it [the jacket] on myself).
Why does 'probarlo' have no accent, but '¡Pruébalo!' does?
'Probarlo' is an infinitive phrase and follows the normal stress rules of the base verb 'probar'. When you attach pronouns to a positive command, like '¡Pruébalo!', Spanish usually requires an accent mark to maintain the original stress of the verb (which falls on the first syllable: PRUE-ba-lo).