probarse la ropa
/pɾobaɾse la ɾopa/from spelling rules
To try on clothes in Spanish is probarse la ropa.
This phrase is used when you put on a garment to see if it fits or looks good before buying it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the use of probarse is frequent when talking about trying on clothes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is reflexive, using the pronoun se attached to the infinitive, which indicates the action is performed on oneself. When conjugating the reflexive verb in the first person singular, the pronoun se changes to me, resulting in me pruebo la ropa.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾobaɾse la ɾopa/
When do people say it?
This is a common way to ask a shop assistant for permission to try on a specific item: ¿Puedo probarme esto? (Can I try this on?).
Did you know?
- The word ropa is related to the Gothic word for 'to rob', suggesting a historical connection between clothing and the booty or goods taken during raids.
- Be careful not to confuse probarse la ropa with probar la ropa, as the latter sounds like you are literally tasting the fabric.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to try on clothes, you must look for the probadores, which literally translates to 'the testers'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría probarme estos pantalones?Could I try on these trousers?
- ¿Sería posible que me permitiera probarme estas prendas?Would it be possible for you to allow me to try on these garments?
- ¿Me puedo probar esta ropa?Can I try on this clothing?
- ¿Puedo probar estos pantalones?Can I try on these trousers?
- ¿Me dejas probarme estas prendas?Can I try on these garments?
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo probarme esta ropa?Excuse me, where can I try on this clothing?
- Me gustaría probarme este vestido, por favor.I would like to try on this dress, please.
- ¿Dónde están los probadores?Where are the fitting rooms?
- ¿Puedo usar uno de los probadores?Can I use one of the fitting rooms?
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a clothing store.
- MaríaMira este vestido, voy a probarse la ropa ahora.Look at this dress, I'm going to try on the clothes now.
- JavierEstá muy bonito, ve al probador.It is very pretty, go to the fitting room.
- MaríaCreo que necesito probarse la ropa en otra talla.I think I need to try on the clothes in another size.
- JavierYo te ayudo a buscar la talla correcta.I will help you find the correct size.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
