pruebas
/prweh-bahs/
tests
As a plural noun, pruebas (f.) means tests or quizzes, often in an academic setting.
pruebas(Noun)
tests
?academic, like in school
quizzes
?shorter, less formal school tests
,tryouts
?for a sports team or performance
📝 In Action
Tengo dos pruebas de español esta semana.
A2I have two Spanish tests this week.
Las pruebas para el equipo de fútbol son el martes.
B1The tryouts for the soccer team are on Tuesday.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in '-as', this word is the plural of 'la prueba', which is a feminine word. So you'll always use feminine words like 'las' or 'unas' with it: 'las pruebas difíciles' (the difficult tests).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Prueba' vs. 'Examen'
Mistake: "Using 'examen' for any kind of test."
Correction: 'Examen' usually refers to a big, formal exam. 'Prueba' is more general and can be a small quiz, a test, or even a tryout. When in doubt, 'prueba' is often a safe choice.
⭐ Usage Tips
More than just school
Remember that 'pruebas' isn't just for school subjects. You can have 'pruebas de atletismo' (track and field trials) or 'pruebas de sonido' (sound checks).
In other contexts, pruebas (f.) means proof or evidence.
pruebas(Noun)
proof
?to show something is true
evidence
?in a legal or scientific sense
,samples
?like a food sample or a product trial
📝 In Action
El detective busca pruebas para resolver el caso.
B1The detective is looking for evidence to solve the case.
No tengo pruebas, pero sé que él lo hizo.
B1I don't have proof, but I know he did it.
En la tienda, nos dieron pruebas gratis del nuevo queso.
B2At the store, they gave us free samples of the new cheese.
⭐ Usage Tips
Singular vs. Plural
In English, 'evidence' and 'proof' are often uncountable. In Spanish, 'prueba' is countable. You can have 'una prueba' (one piece of evidence) or 'muchas pruebas' (a lot of evidence).
Pruebas is the 'tú' conjugation of the verb probar, meaning 'you try' (e.g., food or clothing).
pruebas(Verb)
you try
?referring to food, clothes
you test
?to see if something works
,you prove
?to demonstrate something is true
📝 In Action
¿Por qué no pruebas la sopa? Está deliciosa.
A2Why don't you try the soup? It's delicious.
Si pruebas que tienes razón, te creeré.
B1If you prove you're right, I'll believe you.
Tú siempre pruebas la temperatura del agua antes de nadar.
A2You always test the water temperature before swimming.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Boot' Verb Change (o → ue)
The verb 'probar' changes its spelling in the present tense. The 'o' becomes a 'ue' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Notice how 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' stay normal ('probamos'). This pattern looks like a boot or a shoe, which can help you remember it!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'probar' and 'intentar'
Mistake: "Quiero intentar la pizza. (I want to try the pizza.)"
Correction: Use 'probar' for trying food, drinks, or clothes: 'Quiero probar la pizza.' Use 'intentar' for trying to do an action, like 'Quiero intentar hablar español.' (I want to try to speak Spanish.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pruebas
Question 1 of 2
In the sentence 'La abogada presentó las pruebas al juez,' what does 'pruebas' mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'prueba' and 'examen'?
'Examen' usually refers to a big, important, formal test, like a final exam. 'Prueba' is a more general word that can mean a smaller test, a quiz, a tryout for a team, or even a medical test. If you're not sure which to use, 'prueba' is often a safe bet for any kind of school test.
Can 'pruebas' mean both 'tests' and 'proof'?
Yes, absolutely! The context tells you which meaning is intended. If you're talking about school ('escuela') or a doctor ('médico'), it probably means 'tests'. If you're talking about a crime ('crimen') or an argument ('discusión'), it probably means 'proof' or 'evidence'.
Is 'pruebas' always plural?
No, 'pruebas' is the plural form. The singular is 'prueba'. You would say 'una prueba' for 'one test' or 'one piece of evidence', and 'las pruebas' for 'the tests' or 'the evidence'.