Inklingo

How to Say "sampling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

probando

proh-BAHN-dohpɾoˈβan̪d̪o

gerundA1general
Use 'probando' when referring to the action of testing or trying out a small amount of something to evaluate it.
A determined boy climbing a small wooden ladder, illustrating the act of trying to achieve something.

Examples

Estamos probando el nuevo sistema operativo antes de lanzarlo.

We are testing the new operating system before launching it.

¿Qué estás probando? ¿Funciona?

What are you trying? Does it work?

Forming Continuous Actions

The word 'probando' is the '-ing' form (the gerund). You almost always use it with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action is happening right now: 'Estoy probando' (I am trying).

Always Ends in -ando

Since the base verb 'probar' ends in '-ar', its gerund form always ends in '-ando'. Verbs ending in '-er' or '-ir' use '-iendo' instead.

Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy probando.”

Correction: Estoy probando. The verb 'estar' describes temporary, ongoing actions, while 'ser' describes permanent qualities.

sondeo

son-DEH-ohsonˈde.o

nounB1formal
Use 'sondeo' when referring to the process or result of collecting a small sample from a larger group to represent the whole, like in polls or surveys.
A colorful illustration of a person putting a paper ballot into a simple wooden box.

Examples

El último sondeo electoral muestra un empate entre los candidatos.

The latest election poll shows a tie between the candidates.

Realizamos un sondeo de mercado para conocer los gustos de los clientes.

We carried out a market survey to learn about the customers' tastes.

Según el sondeo de opinión, la mayoría apoya la nueva ley.

According to the opinion poll, the majority supports the new law.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', remember it always uses 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change if you're surveying women or men.

Nouns from Verbs

This word comes from the verb 'sondear'. In Spanish, many nouns are created by changing the ending of a verb to 'o' or 'a'.

Sondeo vs. Encuesta

Mistake: “Using 'encuesta' for a quick, informal check.”

Correction: Use 'sondeo' for a quick 'temperature check' or a preliminary poll, and 'encuesta' for a more formal, long-form questionnaire.

Probando vs. Sondeo

Learners often confuse 'probando' and 'sondeo' by using the gerund 'probando' when a noun describing a survey or poll is needed. Remember that 'probando' is about the *action* of testing, while 'sondeo' is the *noun* for a sample or poll itself.

Related Translations

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