probar
/pɾoˈbaɾ/
The English phrase 'to taste' is translated into Spanish as probar.
Meaning: depending on personal taste (prep_phrase)
Which one should you use?
degustar is a formal word used when talking about tasting food or drinks delicately, usually to savor the flavors.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈbaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word probar is used for both tasting food and trying on clothes. If you are in a shop and want to 'try on' a shirt, you use the same verb you use to 'taste' a soup.
- While probar means 'to taste' in the sense of trying something, it also means 'to prove' or 'to test' a hypothesis or a piece of evidence.
- In Spain, people often use probar to describe the first time they try a new hobby, a sport or even a new relationship.
Examples in context
- Condimentar con ron para probar.Season with rum to taste.This sentence shows how to use probar when seasoning food.Tatoeba #8674918 by ajje, translation #8674919 by ajje
- ¿Te gustaría probar este delicioso pastel?Would you like to taste this yummy cake?This sentence demonstrates how to use probar when offering someone a sample of food.Tatoeba #13978033 by mervert1, translation #1560854 by dilek
- Recomendaría probar el plato de la casa.I would recommend tasting the house specialty.
- En esta cata de vinos, podrás degustar algunos de los mejores tintos.In this wine tasting, you can savor some of the best red wines.
- ¿Te probaste el postre de chocolate? ¡Estaba riquísimo!Did you taste the chocolate dessert? It was delicious!
- Me encantaría probar esa nueva receta que cocinaste.I would love to taste that new recipe you cooked.
- Déjame degustar un poco de ese vino tan exquisito.Let me taste a bit of that exquisite wine.
- ¿Te probaste ese arroz con pollo? Estaba espectacular.Did you taste that chicken and rice dish? It was spectacular.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are cooking dinner together.
- ElenaMateo, ¿crees que falta pimienta?Mateo, do you think it needs more pepper?
- MateoNo lo sé, deja que yo pueda probar.I don't know, let me taste it.
- ElenaPonle un poco más al gusto para probar.Put a little more to taste to try it.
- MateoTienes razón, ahora está perfecto.You're right, now it's perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry probar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
