Inklingo

How to Say "try on" in Spanish

English → Spanish

probar

proh-BAHR/pɾoˈβaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'probar' (often as 'probarse' when referring to oneself) when talking about trying on clothing or accessories.
A cheerful person standing in a dressing room, wearing an oversized, brightly colored striped sweater and holding up a matching scarf.

Examples

¿Puedo probarme esta camisa en una talla más grande?

Can I try on this shirt in a bigger size?

Me pruebo los zapatos antes de comprarlos.

I try on the shoes before buying them.

Ella se probó diez vestidos, pero no le gustó ninguno.

She tried on ten dresses, but didn't like any of them.

The 'Se' Makes It Personal

Adding the 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' etc.) changes the meaning from just 'testing' to 'testing on oneself.' You must include the reflexive pronoun (e.g., me pruebo, se prueba).

Where the Pronoun Goes

The reflexive pronoun can attach to the end of the infinitive (Voy a probármelos) or go before the conjugated verb (Me los voy a probar). Both are correct!

Missing Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake: “Using 'Probar la camisa' when you mean 'I try on the shirt.'”

Correction: The correct phrase is 'Me pruebo la camisa.' Without the pronoun, it means 'I taste the shirt' or 'I test the shirt' (like a quality check).

pruebe

/PRWEH-beh//ˈpɾwe.βe/

verb (Conjugated Form)A2formal
Use the subjunctive form 'pruebe' when making a recommendation or suggestion to someone (formal 'usted') to try on clothing.
A cartoon person standing in a brightly lit room, holding a blue jacket against their body, preparing to try it on.

Examples

Le recomiendo que pruebe estos pantalones, están de oferta.

I recommend that you (formal) try on these pants, they are on sale.

Pruebe el coche antes de firmar los papeles.

Test out the car before signing the papers. (Formal Command)

Context is Key

When 'probar' is used with clothing, it always means 'to try on.' If you want someone to try on clothes politely, use 'pruebe' (Usted).

Base Verb vs. Conjugated Form

Learners often confuse the infinitive 'probar' with its conjugated forms like 'pruebe'. Remember that 'probar' is the general verb, while 'pruebe' is a specific subjunctive conjugation used for formal recommendations.

Related Translations

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