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How to Say "evidence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “evidence” is “prueba” — use 'prueba' for formal or scientific proof, like in legal settings, academic tests, or when demonstrating something definitively..

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prueba

/prweh-bah//ˈpɾweβa/

nounA2formal, scientific, legal
Use 'prueba' for formal or scientific proof, like in legal settings, academic tests, or when demonstrating something definitively.
A focused student sitting at a wooden desk with a pencil, diligently working on a simple academic test paper.

Examples

El fiscal presentó pruebas contundentes contra el acusado.

The prosecutor presented compelling evidence against the defendant.

Tengo una prueba de español el viernes.

I have a Spanish test on Friday.

No hay prueba de que él estuviera allí.

There is no proof that he was there.

El detective busca pruebas para resolver el caso.

The detective is looking for evidence to solve the case.

Making Things 'Proof'

To say something is resistant to something else, like 'waterproof' or 'bulletproof', you can use the pattern 'a prueba de' + noun. For example, 'un reloj a prueba de agua' (a waterproof watch).

Prueba vs. Examen

Mistake: “Using 'prueba' and 'examen' as if they are exactly the same.”

Correction: They are very similar! Often, an 'examen' is a bigger, more formal test (like a final exam), while a 'prueba' can be a smaller test or quiz. But this can change depending on the country or school.

evidencia

eh-vee-DEHN-seeah/eβiˈðenθja/

nounA2general, formal
Use 'evidencia' when referring to observable facts or signs that support a conclusion, often found at a crime scene or in general reasoning.
A large magnifying glass hovering over a distinct, fresh footprint pressed into soft dirt, symbolizing proof.

Examples

La evidencia científica respalda la teoría del cambio climático.

Scientific evidence supports the theory of climate change.

La policía encontró evidencia clave en la escena del crimen.

The police found key evidence at the crime scene.

No hay suficiente evidencia para culparlo.

There is not enough proof to blame him.

La evidencia muestra que el calentamiento global es real.

The evidence shows that global warming is real.

Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in -ción or -dad, 'evidencia' is always feminine. Use 'la' and 'una' with it: 'la evidencia.'

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El evidencia (using masculine article).”

Correction: Use the feminine article: 'La evidencia.' Always treat it as a feminine word.

muestras

/mway-stras//mwestɾas/

nounA1scientific, medical, general
Use 'muestras' specifically when referring to physical samples collected for analysis, such as in a laboratory or medical context.
A collection of three small, distinctly colored geometric objects—a red cube, a blue sphere, and a yellow pyramid—lined up neatly on a bright white surface, representing test samples.

Examples

Se tomaron muestras de sangre para el análisis.

Blood samples were taken for analysis.

El laboratorio analizó las muestras de agua.

The laboratory analyzed the water samples.

La tienda da muestras gratis de perfume.

The store gives free perfume samples.

Estas son algunas muestras de su trabajo artístico.

These are some examples (samples) of her artistic work.

Gender Reminder

Remember that the singular word 'muestra' is feminine, so it takes feminine articles: 'la muestra', 'unas muestras'.

testimonio

tes-ti-MOH-nio/tes.tiˈmo.njo/

nounB2formal, historical, literary
Use 'testimonio' for proof in the sense of a testament or historical record, often referring to things that bear witness to past events or achievements.
A large magnifying glass is held over a small, distinct object (like a key or a clear footprint) resting on a surface, symbolizing evidence.

Examples

Las pirámides son un testimonio de la ingeniería del antiguo Egipto.

The pyramids are evidence (a testament) to ancient Egyptian engineering.

Los restos arqueológicos son un testimonio de la antigua civilización.

The archaeological remains are evidence (or proof) of the ancient civilization.

Necesitas un testimonio notarial para validar la hipoteca.

You need a notarized document (certified copy) to validate the mortgage.

Proof vs. Document

In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'testimonio' in a legal office means 'a certified, official copy of a public deed,' like a title or will. It's more specific than just 'documento'.

Prueba vs. Evidencia

Learners often confuse 'prueba' and 'evidencia'. While both can mean proof, 'prueba' is more often used for formal, conclusive proof (like a legal finding or a test), whereas 'evidencia' tends to refer to observable facts or signs pointing towards a conclusion.

Related Translations

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