How to Say "trial" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “trial” is “prueba” — use 'prueba' when referring to a test, an exam, or a process of checking something's quality or functionality.
prueba
prweh-bahˈpɾweβa
Examples
Tengo una prueba de español el viernes.
I have a Spanish test on Friday.
No hay prueba de que él estuviera allí.
There is no proof that he was there.
El detective busca pruebas para resolver el caso.
The detective is looking for evidence to solve the case.
Making Things 'Proof'
To say something is resistant to something else, like 'waterproof' or 'bulletproof', you can use the pattern 'a prueba de' + noun. For example, 'un reloj a prueba de agua' (a waterproof watch).
Prueba vs. Examen
Mistake: “Using 'prueba' and 'examen' as if they are exactly the same.”
Correction: They are very similar! Often, an 'examen' is a bigger, more formal test (like a final exam), while a 'prueba' can be a smaller test or quiz. But this can change depending on the country or school.
experiencia
ex-peh-RYEN-syaekspeˈɾjensja
Examples
La experiencia demostró que la teoría era correcta.
The experiment showed that the theory was correct.
Realizamos una experiencia en el laboratorio para observar la reacción química.
We carried out an experiment in the lab to observe the chemical reaction.
juicio
HWEE-see-ohˈxwi.sjo
Examples
El juicio comenzará el próximo lunes.
The trial will begin next Monday.
Fue llamado como testigo en el juicio.
He was called as a witness in the trial.
La empresa enfrenta un juicio por discriminación.
The company is facing a lawsuit for discrimination.
proceso
proh-SEH-sohpɾoˈse.so
Examples
El abogado dijo que el proceso será largo y complicado.
The lawyer said the trial will be long and complicated.
La prensa estaba siguiendo de cerca el proceso judicial.
The press was closely following the legal case.
Context is Key
When you see 'proceso' alongside words like 'juez' (judge) or 'abogado' (lawyer), you know it means 'trial' or 'legal case,' not just 'steps'.
experimento
ex-pe-ri-MEN-toeks.pe.ɾiˈmen.to
Examples
El científico realizó un experimento muy complejo.
The scientist carried out a very complex experiment.
Hicimos un experimento social para ver cómo reaccionaba la gente.
We did a social experiment to see how people reacted.
El experimento falló, pero aprendimos mucho.
The experiment failed, but we learned a lot.
Gender Rule
Since this noun ends in '-o', it is masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el experimento'.
Mixing up Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'experimento' when you mean the action of experimenting (the verb).”
Correction: Remember 'experimento' (noun) is the thing you do, while 'experimentar' is the action.
causa
kow-sahˈkawsa
Examples
El abogado presentó la causa ante el juez.
The lawyer presented the case before the judge.
Ganaron la causa después de muchos años.
They won the lawsuit after many years.
vista
BEES-tahˈbista
Examples
La vista del juicio fue pospuesta para el próximo mes.
The court hearing was postponed until next month.
El juez escuchó a los testigos durante la vista oral.
The judge listened to the witnesses during the oral hearing.
Trabaja como vista de aduanas en el puerto.
He works as a customs agent at the port.
piloto
pee-LOH-tohpiˈloto
Examples
Vamos a lanzar un proyecto piloto en tres ciudades antes de implementarlo a nivel nacional.
We are going to launch a pilot project in three cities before implementing it nationally.
La clase piloto fue un éxito y ahora se ofrecerá a todos los estudiantes.
The trial class was a success and will now be offered to all students.
Always Single Form
When used as an adjective meaning 'trial' or 'test,' 'piloto' usually remains singular and masculine, even if the noun it describes is plural or feminine (e.g., 'ciudades piloto').
experimental
eks-peh-ree-men-TAHLekspeɾimenˈtal
Examples
Los científicos están en una fase experimental.
The scientists are in an experimental phase.
Me gusta mucho el cine experimental porque es diferente.
I really like experimental cinema because it's different.
Este fármaco todavía es experimental y no se vende al público.
This drug is still experimental and is not sold to the public.
One form for both genders
This word doesn't change whether you're describing a 'boy' noun or a 'girl' noun. You say 'el método experimental' and 'la fase experimental'.
Placement after the noun
In Spanish, describing words like this almost always come after the thing they are describing, just like saying 'the car red' instead of 'the red car'.
Plural ending
Mistake: “Los métodos experimentals.”
Correction: Los métodos experimentales. Because it ends in a consonant, you must add '-es' to make it plural.
Legal vs. Testing Meanings
Related Translations
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