probar
/pɾoˈbaɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'try out' is probar. Wiktionary also lists ensayar.
Meaning: to test something (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| probar | /pɾoˈbaɾ/ |
| ensayar | /ensaˈʝaɾ/ |
If you are specifically trying out clothing to see how it fits, you should use the reflexive form probarse.
Which one should you use?
Use probar when you are testing the quality, taste or functionality of a physical object or food. In contrast, use ensayar when 'trying out' refers to rehearsing a play, a musical piece or practicing a specific procedure.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, ensayar is occasionally used to express 'try out', particularly regarding rehearsals or practicing.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈbaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word ensayar is a cognate of the English word 'assay'. While 'assay' is now mostly used in chemistry to test ores, it originally meant to make an attempt or a trial.
- While probar is used for tasting food, using it to describe the act of 'trying' something difficult or enduring a hardship is expressed through the phrase probar la paciencia or 'try one's patience'.
Examples in context
- Quiero probar la carne de caballo.I wanna try out horse meat.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to try out food using probar.Tatoeba #10870801 by Shishir, translation #13622175 by PotatoeII
- Le gustaría probar tu nueva bicicleta.He wants to try out your new bike.This sentence is useful for expressing an interest in trying out an object using probar.Tatoeba #9630110 by Shishir, translation #9632945 by DJ_Saidez
- Me gustaría probar este nuevo modelo antes de comprarlo.I'd like to try out this new model before I buy it.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to try out a new model using probar.Tatoeba #7917778 by fpp, translation #58365 by CM
- Intentaré el nuevo método de estudio.I will try out the new studying method.
- Voy a probar el nuevo restaurante italiano.I'm going to try out the new Italian restaurant.
- Vamos a probar el nuevo videojuego.Let's try out the new video game.
- Le voy a dar una oportunidad a la serie que me recomendaste.I'm going to try out the TV show you recommended.
- Miguel decidió probar suerte como actor.Miguel decided to try out his luck as an actor.
- Mañana vamos a ensayar la canción.Tomorrow, we're going to try out/practice the song.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a technology store.
- ElenaAlejandro, quiero probar este micrófono.Alejandro, I want to try out this microphone.
- AlejandroEs una buena idea, Elena.It is a good idea, Elena.
- ElenaMira, suena muy bien.Look, it sounds very good.
- AlejandroEntonces, deberías comprarlo.Then, you should buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “try out” translations and entries probar, ensayar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ensayar, probar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
