Inklingo

How to Say "practice" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “practice” is “práctica” — use this word when referring to the act of doing something repeatedly to improve your skill or ability, like practicing a musical instrument or a language..

prácticaA1

Use this word when referring to the act of doing something repeatedly to improve your skill or ability, like practicing a musical instrument or a language.

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costumbre🔊B1

Choose this word when 'practice' refers to a habit, tradition, or a customary way of doing things that is commonly followed by a group of people.

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entrenamiento🔊A2

Use this translation when 'practice' specifically refers to physical training or preparation for sports or other athletic activities.

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ensayo🔊A2

This word is used when 'practice' refers to a rehearsal, typically for a performance like a play, concert, or other artistic presentation.

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rutina🔊A1

Employ this term when 'practice' refers to a regular sequence of actions or a set routine, like a morning or exercise routine.

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English → Spanish

práctica

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to the act of doing something repeatedly to improve your skill or ability, like practicing a musical instrument or a language.

Examples

Necesitas mucha práctica para hablar fluidamente.

You need a lot of practice to speak fluently.

costumbre

cohs-TOOM-breh/kosˈtum.bɾe/

nounB1general
Choose this word when 'practice' refers to a habit, tradition, or a customary way of doing things that is commonly followed by a group of people.
A colorful storybook illustration showing an older woman and a young child sitting at a table, jointly decorating a large, intricately shaped cultural pastry.

Examples

Es una costumbre muy antigua en este pueblo.

It is a very old tradition in this town.

Las costumbres sociales varían mucho entre países.

Social conventions vary greatly between countries.

Como de costumbre, la oficina estaba cerrada a esa hora.

As usual, the office was closed at that time.

Plural Usage

When talking about general societal rules or manners, you often use the plural: 'las costumbres' (the customs/manners).

entrenamiento

en-treh-nah-mee-en-toh/entrenaˈmjento/

nounA2sports
Use this translation when 'practice' specifically refers to physical training or preparation for sports or other athletic activities.
A colorful storybook illustration showing an adult mentor figure gently guiding a young apprentice's hands as they work together on a simple construction project using wooden blocks, symbolizing skill development and training.

Examples

El equipo tiene un entrenamiento muy duro todos los lunes.

The team has a very hard workout every Monday.

Necesitas tres meses de entrenamiento intensivo antes de correr el maratón.

You need three months of intensive training before running the marathon.

El nuevo empleado completó su entrenamiento de seguridad la semana pasada.

The new employee completed his safety training last week.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since this word ends in '-miento', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el entrenamiento'.

Confusing 'entrenamiento' and 'práctica'

Mistake: “Using 'práctica' when referring specifically to a scheduled gym session.”

Correction: Use 'entrenamiento' for structured physical or professional preparation. 'Práctica' is often more general skill rehearsal or routine.

ensayo

en-SIGH-yo/enˈsaʝo/

nounA2arts
This word is used when 'practice' refers to a rehearsal, typically for a performance like a play, concert, or other artistic presentation.
Three performers in casual clothing practicing a synchronized dance routine on a simple wooden stage.

Examples

Tuvimos el último ensayo de la obra anoche.

We had the final rehearsal for the play last night.

Los científicos están haciendo un ensayo clínico con el nuevo medicamento.

The scientists are running a clinical trial with the new medication.

El equipo de fútbol tiene un ensayo a las cinco para practicar los penaltis.

The soccer team has a practice at five to practice the penalties.

Common Verb Partner

You will most often see 'ensayo' used with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) when referring to a practice run: 'hacer un ensayo' means 'to run a trial' or 'to hold a rehearsal'.

rutina

roo-TEE-nah/ruˈtina/

nounA1general
Employ this term when 'practice' refers to a regular sequence of actions or a set routine, like a morning or exercise routine.
A storybook illustration showing a simplified character performing three distinct, ordered daily tasks in three separate panels: brushing teeth, eating breakfast at a table, and reading a book on a couch, symbolizing a structured routine.

Examples

Mi rutina de la mañana empieza a las 7:00 am.

My morning routine starts at 7:00 am.

El doctor me recomendó una rutina de ejercicios ligera.

The doctor recommended a light exercise routine for me.

Es importante establecer una rutina de estudio para el examen.

It is important to establish a study schedule for the exam.

Gender Rule

Even though 'rutina' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun and must always be used with feminine articles and adjectives (la rutina, una rutina diaria).

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer mi rutina (To do my routine)”

Correction: Seguir mi rutina (To follow/keep my routine) or Tener una rutina (To have a routine). While 'hacer' is sometimes used, 'seguir' or 'tener' sound more natural for describing your daily schedule.

Práctica vs. Costumbre

The most common confusion for learners is between 'práctica' and 'costumbre'. Remember, 'práctica' is about improving a skill through repetition, while 'costumbre' refers to an established habit or tradition.

Related Translations

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