ponme a prueba
/pomme a pɾweba/from spelling rules
The English phrase "try me" can be translated into Spanish as ponme a prueba.
This phrase is used both to challenge someone's ability to test you and to express that you are willing to be tested or challenged.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "put me to test", composed of the imperative verb pon (put), the object pronoun me (me) and the prepositional phrase a prueba (to test).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the informal expression A ver si puedes conmigo to mean "Try me". In Argentina, the informal phrase Dale, probame vos can convey the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ponme a prueba uses the informal imperative tú form of the verb poner. To address someone formally as usted, you should use póngame a prueba. Another informal way to say "Give me a try" or "Give me a shot" is Haz la prueba conmigo.
Did you know?
- While ponme a prueba is standard, using the verb probar can also mean to 'taste' food, so context is vital to avoid sounding like you want someone to taste you.
- The word prueba comes from the Latin probō, which was used to describe the act of verifying if a coin was made of genuine precious metal.
- The word prueba also means 'evidence' in a legal context. If a lawyer asks for la prueba, they are not asking for a test but for the physical proof of a crime.
Examples in context
- Permítame demostrarlo, no se arrepentiráAllow me to show you, you won't regret it
- Pruébame y verásTry me and you'll see
- Haz la prueba conmigo, no te decepcionaréGive me a try, I won't disappoint you
- Pruébame, puedo superar cualquier retoTry me, I can overcome any challenge
- Haz la prueba conmigo, verás que no te arrepentirásGive me a try, you'll see you won't regret it
- Si dudas de mis habilidades, ponme a prueba.If you doubt my skills, try me.
- No me subestimes, ponme a prueba ahora.Don't underestimate me, try me now.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about her new skill.
- SofíaPuedo resolver este problema muy rápido.I can solve this problem very quickly.
- AlejandroNo lo creo, parece muy difícil.I don't believe it, it seems very difficult.
- SofíaEntonces ponme a prueba ahora mismo.Then try me right now.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Sofía, aquí tienes el ejercicio.Alright, Sofía, here is the exercise.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
