prueba del polígrafo
/pɾweba del poliɡɾafo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "polygraph test" is prueba del polígrafo in Spanish.
A polygraph test is a procedure that uses a machine to detect lies by measuring physical responses. While prueba del polígrafo is the technical term, it is very common in many Spanish-speaking contexts to refer to the device or the test as a detector de mentiras.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase prueba del polígrafo is composed of prueba (test), del (of the) and polígrafo (polygraph).
Which one should you use?
You can use examen del polígrafo as an alternative, replacing prueba with examen to refer to the same procedure. If you want to refer specifically to a "lie detector exam," you can use Examen del detector de mentiras. Additionally, Prueba de detección de engaño serves as a formal way to express the concept of a polygraph test.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the most common way to express this is prueba del polígrafo, though you might also encounter the term detector de mentiras.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾweba del poliɡɾafo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking judicial systems, a prueba del polígrafo is often inadmissible as evidence in court, making it a 'test' that cannot serve as 'proof'.
- The Greek roots of polígrafo mean 'many writings', a literal translation that describes the multiple graphs or recordings produced by the machine.
- The word prueba is a highly versatile term that can refer to a legal trial, a school test, a 'taste test' of food, or even the 'fitting' of a new piece of clothing.
Examples in context
- El acusado será sometido a una prueba del polígrafo para determinar su veracidad.The defendant will undergo a polygraph test to determine his truthfulness.
- Necesitamos realizar un examen del detector de mentiras para validar su testimonio.We need to conduct a lie detector exam to validate his testimony.
- La compañía llevó a cabo una prueba de detección de engaño a todos sus empleados.The company conducted a deception detection test on all its employees.
- Carlos siempre reta a sus amigos a una prueba de mentiras solo por diversión.Carlos always challenges his friends to a lie test just for fun.
- El detective pidió una prueba del polígrafo.The detective requested a polygraph test.
- No confío en los resultados de la prueba del polígrafo.I do not trust the results of the polygraph test.
- ¿Te da miedo la prueba del polígrafo?Are you afraid of the polygraph test?
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a crime documentary.
- MaríaEl sospechoso negó todo en la prueba del polígrafo.The suspect denied everything in the polygraph test.
- MateoPero la máquina dijo que mentía, ¿verdad?But the machine said he was lying, right?
- MaríaSí, María, los resultados fueron muy claros.Yes, María, the results were very clear.
- MateoEntonces Mateo debe ser el culpable.Then Mateo must be the guilty one.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, polígrafo, prueba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
