experimentar
/eɡspeɾimenˈtaɾ/
In Spanish, to experience is experimentar.
The verb experimentar is a formal way to express 'to experience' and is often used in academic contexts. Depending on the specific nuance of the experience, other verbs may be more appropriate: padecer can be used to express 'to experience' when conveying suffering or enduring a difficult experience, while probar is an informal way to express 'to experience' when focusing on trying or testing something new.
Which one should you use?
The phrasal verb pasar por is a common way to express experiencing a difficult or specific situation, whereas experimentar sounds more clinical or formal. The verb pasar is an informal way to express 'to experience' in everyday conversations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle experimentado can function as an adjective meaning 'experienced', though con experiencia is more common when describing a person's professional background.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspeɾimenˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are 'experiencing' a bad time, the common idiom pasar por un mal trago literally translates to 'passing through a bad gulp'.
- While experimentar sounds like 'to experience', using it to describe feeling an emotion like 'joy' can sound oddly scientific or detached to a native speaker.
- The verb probar can mean 'to experience' a new sensation, but it is also the standard word for 'to taste' food.
Examples in context
- El misterio de la vida no es un problema a resolver, sino una realidad a experimentar.The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.This sentence uses experimentar to describe experiencing a reality.Tatoeba #9524512 by hayastan, translation #9524513 by DJ_Saidez
- Viví una experiencia única visitando la Sagrada Familia en Barcelona.I had a unique experience visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
- Experimentamos un cambio radical en nuestra empresa después de implementar nuevas estrategias.We experienced a radical change in our company after implementing new strategies.
- Padecí una enfermedad grave, pero gracias al tratamiento, logré superarla.I experienced a serious illness, but thanks to the treatment, I managed to overcome it.
- Probé el plato típico de la región y tuve una experiencia culinaria increíble.I tried the local dish and had an amazing culinary experience.
- Quiero experimentar nuevas culturas este año.I want to experience new cultures this year.
- Es difícil experimentar esa sensación de calma.It is difficult to experience that feeling of calm.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about a trip to Asia.
- ElenaEs increíble poder experimentar tanto en un viaje.It is incredible to be able to experience so much on a trip.
- JavierTienes razón, Elena, es una gran oportunidad.You are right, Elena, it is a great opportunity.
- Elena¿Estás listo para experimentar algo diferente?Are you ready to experience something different?
- Javier¡Claro que sí, estoy muy emocionado!Of course, I am very excited!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry experimentar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
