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How to Say "experiment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

experimento

ex-pe-ri-MEN-to/eks.pe.ɾiˈmen.to/

nounA2scientific
Use 'experimento' when referring specifically to a scientific test, trial, or research procedure designed to test a hypothesis.
A scientist wearing safety goggles observes a bright blue liquid bubbling in a flask on a laboratory bench.

Examples

El científico realizó un experimento muy complejo.

The scientist carried out a very complex experiment.

Hicimos un experimento social para ver cómo reaccionaba la gente.

We did a social experiment to see how people reacted.

El experimento falló, pero aprendimos mucho.

The experiment failed, but we learned a lot.

Gender Rule

Since this noun ends in '-o', it is masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el experimento'.

Mixing up Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'experimento' when you mean the action of experimenting (the verb).”

Correction: Remember 'experimento' (noun) is the thing you do, while 'experimentar' is the action.

experiencia

/ex-peh-RYEN-sya//ekspeˈɾjensja/

nounB2general
Use 'experiencia' for a scientific test or trial, but be aware it also commonly means 'experience' in a general sense of having lived through something.
A curious person wearing safety goggles carefully pouring a bright blue liquid from a test tube into a beaker containing yellow liquid, causing a vibrant green color change, symbolizing a scientific experiment.

Examples

La experiencia demostró que la teoría era correcta.

The experiment showed that the theory was correct.

Realizamos una experiencia en el laboratorio para observar la reacción química.

We carried out an experiment in the lab to observe the chemical reaction.

Experimento vs. Experiencia

Learners often confuse 'experimento' and 'experiencia' because 'experiencia' can also mean 'experience'. Remember that 'experimento' is the more precise term for a scientific test or trial, while 'experiencia' is broader and can refer to life events or knowledge gained.

Related Translations

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