Inklingo

How to Say "proven" in Spanish

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comprobado

kohm-proh-BAH-doh/kom.pɾoˈβa.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'comprobado' when referring to something that has been verified as a fact or has been established through evidence.
A large, perfectly square, solid gray stone cornerstone resting firmly on green earth, symbolizing an established, proven fact.

Examples

Es un hecho comprobado que el ejercicio mejora el ánimo.

It is a proven fact that exercise improves mood.

La eficacia del nuevo medicamento ha sido comprobada.

The effectiveness of the new medicine has been verified.

Necesitas llevar tu identidad comprobada para el examen.

You need to bring your verified identity for the exam.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'comprobado' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): comprobado, comprobada, comprobados, comprobadas.

demostrado

deh-mohs-TRAH-doh/demoˈstraðo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'demostrado' when emphasizing that a fact or result has been clearly shown or demonstrated, often through a process or study.
A large, shiny gold medal resting on a small pedestal, symbolizing a proven fact or result.

Examples

Es un hecho demostrado que el ejercicio mejora la memoria.

It is a proven fact that exercise improves memory.

La eficacia del nuevo medicamento ya está demostrada.

The effectiveness of the new medication is already established (proven).

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'demostrado' must match the thing it describes in both gender and number: 'un resultado demostrado' (masc. sing.) vs. 'unas teorías demostradas' (fem. plural).

Using the Wrong Ending

Mistake: “La verdad está demostrado.”

Correction: La verdad está demostrada. (Truth is feminine, so the ending must be -a.)

probado

pro-BAH-doh/pɾoˈβaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'probado' when referring to something that has been tested and verified as effective or true, often implying practical application.
A perfect, smooth golden egg sitting on a small pedestal, featuring a prominent, large green checkmark stamped clearly onto its side, symbolizing verification and proof.

Examples

Necesitamos una solución probada, no un experimento.

We need a proven solution, not an experiment.

Su lealtad ya está probada después de tantos años.

His loyalty is already proven after so many years.

Es un método probado para reducir el estrés.

It is a tested method for reducing stress.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'probado' must match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Remember: 'probado' (m. sing.), 'probada' (f. sing.), 'probados' (m. plural), 'probadas' (f. plural).

Using 'Probado' for People

Mistake: “El científico está probado.”

Correction: La teoría está probada. (The theory is proven.) While you can say a person's loyalty is proven, it's more natural to apply 'probado' to things like methods, facts, or results.

Distinguishing 'Comprobado' and 'Probado'

Learners often confuse 'comprobado' and 'probado.' Think of 'comprobado' for something established as a fact through evidence, while 'probado' leans towards something tested and found effective in practice. For results that have been clearly shown, 'demostrado' is a good choice.

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