prueba
/ˈpɾweba/feminine
In Spanish, the word for quiz is prueba. Wiktionary also lists examen.
Meaning: competition in the answering of questions (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prueba | /ˈpɾweba/ | feminine |
| examen | /eɡˈsamen/ | masculine |
The term prueba is used to describe a test or trial that checks knowledge or ability, such as una prueba (a quiz/test).
Which one should you use?
While both words can refer to a quiz, examen usually implies a more formal, high-stakes assessment, whereas prueba is more common for a shorter, less formal quiz or test.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word prueba is a feminine noun. The plural form is las pruebas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾweba/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word quiz in Spanish. It is not a standard Spanish word and is considered an anglicism that may be misunderstood.
Did you know?
- The verb probar is the root of prueba and it carries the double meaning of 'to test' and 'to taste'. You use the same verb to take a quiz as you do to taste a piece of food.
- The word examen has a linguistic 'doublet' in Spanish called enjambre, which means 'swarm'. Both words share the same Latin origin but evolved into completely different meanings.
- In Spanish, prueba can refer to a sports trial or a qualifying heat. An athlete doesn't take a written quiz but participates in una prueba to see if they are fast enough for a team.
Examples in context
- Mañana tendremos un examen corto de matemáticas.Tomorrow, we will have a short math quiz.
- Asegúrate de estudiar para la prueba de historia.Make sure to study for the history quiz.
- ¡Atención, mañana tendremos un examen sorpresa de vocabulario!Attention, tomorrow we will have a surprise vocabulary quiz!
- Completa el cuestionario y luego comprueba tus respuestas.Complete the quiz and then check your answers.
- El profesor hará un control de vocabulario mañana en clase.The teacher will have a vocabulary quiz in class tomorrow.
- La prueba fue muy difícil.The quiz was very difficult.
- Tengo una prueba de historia mañana.I have a history quiz tomorrow.
- ¿Estás lista para la prueba?Are you ready for the quiz?
Example conversation
Two students are studying together in a library.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿estudiaste para la prueba?Sofía, did you study for the quiz?
- SofíaSí, Alejandro, estoy preparada.Yes, Alejandro, I am prepared.
- AlejandroEspero que la prueba sea corta.I hope the quiz is short.
- SofíaYo también lo espero.I hope so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quiz” translations and entries prueba, examen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries examen, prueba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
