How to Say "to test" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to test” is “verificar” — use this word when you are checking if something is working correctly or if a piece of information is accurate.
verificar
beh-ree-fee-KAHRbeɾifiˈkaɾ
Examples
Por favor, verifica tu correo electrónico para activar la cuenta.
Please check your email to activate the account.
El sistema tiene que verificar tu contraseña.
The system needs to verify your password.
Debemos verificar los datos antes de publicar el informe.
We must verify the data before publishing the report.
The Spelling Swap
In the 'I' form of the past (preterite) and in all 'wish' forms (subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'qu'. This is just to keep the hard 'K' sound: 'verifiqué' instead of 'verificé'.
Verificar vs. Revisar
Mistake: “Using 'verificar' when you just want to look over something casually.”
Correction: Use 'revisar' for browsing or reviewing, and 'verificar' when you specifically need to prove something is correct or true.
evaluar
eh-bah-loo-AHReβaluˈaɾ
Examples
El profesor va a evaluar nuestro progreso mañana.
The teacher is going to evaluate our progress tomorrow.
Es difícil evaluar esta situación sin toda la información.
It is difficult to assess this situation without all the information.
Debemos evaluar los resultados del experimento con cuidado.
We must evaluate the results of the experiment carefully.
The 'Hidden' Accent
In most versions of the present tense, the 'u' gets a little accent mark (evalúo, evalúa). This tells you to emphasize that 'u' sound instead of sliding past it.
Using 'que' with Evaluar
When you want to say you are evaluating 'if' or 'that' something is true, just add 'que' after the verb: 'Evalúo que es necesario' (I evaluate that it is necessary).
Forget the 'u' accent
Mistake: “Yo evaluo el examen.”
Correction: Yo evalúo el examen. The accent is needed in the 'I', 'you', and 'they' forms to sound natural.
examinar
ex-ah-mee-NAReksa.miˈnaɾ
Examples
La profesora nos va a examinar de historia mañana.
The teacher is going to test us on history tomorrow.
Use of 'de'
When testing someone on a specific subject, we often use 'de' followed by the subject name (e.g., examinar de matemáticas).
analizar
ah-nah-lee-SAHRana.liˈsaɾ
Examples
El laboratorio va a analizar la muestra de agua.
The laboratory is going to test the water sample.
ensayar
en-sah-YARen.saˈʝar
Examples
El laboratorio va a ensayar un nuevo fármaco.
The laboratory is going to test a new drug.
Es necesario ensayar el plan antes de ejecutarlo.
It is necessary to try out the plan before executing it.
Abstract Testing
When using 'ensayar' as 'to test', it usually refers to a formal process or a trial run of an idea.
experimentar
ex-peh-ree-men-TARekspeɾimenˈtaɾ
Examples
El científico experimenta con nuevas fórmulas químicas.
The scientist experiments with new chemical formulas.
Me gusta experimentar con diferentes especias cuando cocino.
I like to experiment with different spices when I cook.
Using 'con'
When you are testing a tool, a method, or an ingredient, use the word 'con' (with) right after the verb.
tentar
tehn-TAHRtenˈtaɾ
Examples
Tentó las paredes en la oscuridad hasta encontrar la puerta.
He felt the walls in the dark until he found the door.
El ciego tentaba el suelo con su bastón.
The blind man felt the ground with his cane.
Antes de comprar la fruta, le gusta tentarla para ver si está madura.
Before buying the fruit, she likes to touch it to see if it's ripe.
Tentar vs. Tocar
While 'tocar' is the general word for 'to touch,' 'tentar' implies using your hands carefully to find your way or to feel the quality of something.
Testing vs. Evaluating vs. Examining
Related Translations
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