Inklingo

How to Say "to prove" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to prove” is “demostrar” — use 'demostrar' when you are showing evidence or facts to establish the truth of something, often in a logical or legal context..

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demostrar

deh-mohs-TRAR/demoˈstɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'demostrar' when you are showing evidence or facts to establish the truth of something, often in a logical or legal context.
A friendly scientist character pointing confidently at a large, clear chart displaying a successful outcome, proving a point to a colleague who looks satisfied.

Examples

El abogado pudo demostrar la inocencia de su cliente.

The lawyer was able to prove his client's innocence.

Necesitas demostrar que tienes suficiente experiencia para el puesto.

You need to demonstrate that you have enough experience for the position.

La ciencia ha demostrado que el ejercicio es bueno para la salud.

Science has proven that exercise is good for your health.

Stem-Changing Verb (O > UE)

In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' in all forms except for 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural/Spain). This is a very common pattern in Spanish verbs.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo demostro (No stem change)”

Correction: Yo demuestro (Remember the 'ue' change in the present tense.)

mostrar

mo-STRAR/mosˈtɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'mostrar' when you are presenting data or information that serves as evidence for a conclusion or trend.
A baker demonstrating how to knead dough on a wooden counter, explaining a process.

Examples

Los datos muestran que la economía está mejorando.

The data demonstrates that the economy is improving.

Debemos mostrar respeto por las reglas.

We must show respect for the rules.

El informe mostró resultados inesperados.

The report proved/showed unexpected results.

comprobar

/kom-proh-BAR//kom.pɾoˈβaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'comprobar' when you are verifying or confirming the truth or accuracy of something, often through testing or examination.
A smiling scientist character pointing triumphantly at a fully completed, brightly colored jigsaw puzzle resting on a table, symbolizing successfully proving a concept or truth.

Examples

El experimento comprobó la teoría del científico.

The experiment proved the scientist's theory.

La nueva evidencia comprueba su inocencia.

The new evidence proves his innocence.

No pudieron comprobar que el coche era robado.

They couldn't prove that the car was stolen.

Followed by 'que'

When 'comprobar' means 'to prove' or 'to confirm a fact,' it is usually followed by 'que' and the verb in the normal indicative (non-special) form: 'Comprobamos que está aquí.' (We confirmed that he is here.)

testificar

tes-tee-fee-CAR/testifiˈkaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'testificar' when something (like documents or objects) serves as evidence or bears witness to a past event or existence.
A storybook illustration showing one character pointing directly and confidently with one finger at a large, clear object, confirming its presence or truth to a second character.

Examples

Los antiguos documentos testifican la existencia de un templo perdido.

The ancient documents bear witness to the existence of a lost temple.

Su larga y exitosa carrera testifica su dedicación al arte.

His long and successful career attests to his dedication to art.

El milagro testificó la fe de la comunidad.

The miracle bore witness to the community's faith.

Using Things as Subjects

When using 'testificar' in this sense, the subject is often an object or concept (e.g., 'documents,' 'actions,' 'history') rather than a person. This is common in formal writing.

Demostrar vs. Comprobar

Learners often confuse 'demostrar' and 'comprobar'. Use 'demostrar' when presenting evidence to convince someone, like a lawyer proving innocence. Use 'comprobar' when verifying facts or accuracy, like checking if a theory is correct through an experiment.

Related Translations

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