Inklingo

How to Say "tests" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tests” is “exámenes” — use 'exámenes' for formal academic assessments like school tests, quizzes, or final exams..

exámenesA1

Use 'exámenes' for formal academic assessments like school tests, quizzes, or final exams.

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pruebas🔊A2

Use 'pruebas' for academic assessments, similar to school tests or quizzes, often implying a practical demonstration of knowledge.

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experimentos🔊A2

Use 'experimentos' for scientific trials or procedures conducted to discover or demonstrate something, common in labs or research.

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comprueba🔊A2

Use 'comprueba' when referring to the action of checking if something, like a machine or system, is working correctly.

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controles🔊A2

Use 'controles' for school exams in some regions, or more commonly for the mechanisms used to operate something, like a device or vehicle.

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ensayos🔊B2

Use 'ensayos' for more formal, in-depth laboratory analyses or clinical trials, often in a scientific or medical context.

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English → Spanish

exámenes

nounA1formal
Use 'exámenes' for formal academic assessments like school tests, quizzes, or final exams.

Examples

Tenemos tres exámenes finales la próxima semana.

We have three final exams next week.

pruebas

/prweh-bahs//ˈpɾweβas/

nounA2
Use 'pruebas' for academic assessments, similar to school tests or quizzes, often implying a practical demonstration of knowledge.
A stack of completed academic test papers tied with a ribbon on a simple wooden desk, representing school tests.

Examples

Tengo dos pruebas de español esta semana.

I have two Spanish tests this week.

Las pruebas para el equipo de fútbol son el martes.

The tryouts for the soccer team are on Tuesday.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-as', this word is the plural of 'la prueba', which is a feminine word. So you'll always use feminine words like 'las' or 'unas' with it: 'las pruebas difíciles' (the difficult tests).

'Prueba' vs. 'Examen'

Mistake: “Using 'examen' for any kind of test.”

Correction: 'Examen' usually refers to a big, formal exam. 'Prueba' is more general and can be a small quiz, a test, or even a tryout. When in doubt, 'prueba' is often a safe choice.

experimentos

/eks-peh-ree-MEN-tohs//ekspeɾiˈmentos/

nounA2
Use 'experimentos' for scientific trials or procedures conducted to discover or demonstrate something, common in labs or research.
A clear glass beaker holding bubbling green liquid sits on a wooden table, illustrating a scientific experiment.

Examples

Los estudiantes deben documentar todos sus experimentos en el laboratorio.

The students must document all their experiments in the laboratory.

Se necesitan más experimentos para confirmar esta teoría.

More experiments are needed to confirm this theory.

Hicimos varios experimentos con diferentes tipos de semillas.

We conducted several experiments with different types of seeds.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'el experimento.' Since it ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La experimentos.”

Correction: Los experimentos. Remember that 'experimento' is a masculine noun, so its plural article must be 'los'.

comprueba

/kom-PRWE-ba//komˈpɾweβa/

verbA2
Use 'comprueba' when referring to the action of checking if something, like a machine or system, is working correctly.
A person in a kitchen looking into a pot to see if the food is ready.

Examples

Ella comprueba su correo electrónico cada mañana.

She checks her email every morning.

El mecánico comprueba el motor del coche.

The mechanic checks the car's engine.

The 'O' to 'UE' Change

In the base word 'comprobar,' the 'o' changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on that syllable. This is why we say 'comprueba' instead of 'comproba.'

One word, two jobs

'Comprueba' can mean 'he/she checks' but it's also the friendly way to tell someone 'Check it!' as a command.

Don't confuse with 'Probar'

Mistake: “Using 'comprueba' when you want to say 'taste the soup.'”

Correction: Use 'prueba' for tasting or trying on clothes; use 'comprueba' for verifying information or mechanics.

controles

/kon-TRO-les//konˈtɾoles/

nounA2
Use 'controles' for school exams in some regions, or more commonly for the mechanisms used to operate something, like a device or vehicle.
A colorful control panel with several round buttons and toggle switches.

Examples

Los controles del avión son muy complejos.

The airplane's controls are very complex.

Hay muchos controles de seguridad en el aeropuerto.

There are many security checkpoints at the airport.

¿Dónde están los controles de la consola?

Where are the console controllers?

Plural Noun

This is the plural form of 'el control.' To make it plural, we add '-es' because the word ends in a consonant.

Control vs. Command

Mistake: “Using 'comando' for a TV remote.”

Correction: Use 'control' or 'mando.' 'Comando' usually refers to a military unit or a computer instruction.

ensayos

/en-SAH-yos//enˈsaʝos/

nounB2formal
Use 'ensayos' for more formal, in-depth laboratory analyses or clinical trials, often in a scientific or medical context.
Glass test tubes in a rack filled with colorful liquids.

Examples

Los ensayos clínicos de la nueva vacuna fueron un éxito.

The clinical trials of the new vaccine were a success.

Hicimos varios ensayos antes de lograr el resultado final.

We made several attempts before achieving the final result.

Exámenes vs. Pruebas

Learners often confuse 'exámenes' and 'pruebas' because both can refer to school tests. 'Exámenes' is generally more formal and common for standardized assessments, while 'pruebas' can imply a less formal or more practical assessment of knowledge.

Related Translations

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