pruebas
“pruebas” means “tests” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
tests
Also: quizzes, tryouts
📝 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.
proof
Also: evidence, samples
📝 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.
you try
Also: you test, you prove
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'probāre', which meant 'to test, approve, or prove.' The core idea of testing something to see if it's good or true has remained for centuries.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.