verb

probar

try · taste

Comer o usar una pequeña cantidad de algo para saber cómo es o si funciona bien.

Definition & meaning

Probar is a Spanish verb with several related meanings:

To try or attempt
- To make an effort to do something or see whether it works.
- Example: probar hacer algo — “to try to do something.”
- It is commonly used with a + infinitive: probar a correr — “to try running.”
To taste
- To eat or drink a small amount in order to discover its flavor.
- Example: probar la comida — “to taste the food.”
To test or try out
- To use something in order to evaluate it.
- Example: probar un coche — “to test-drive a car”; probar un programa — “to test a program.”
To prove or demonstrate
- In formal, legal, or academic contexts, it can mean to establish that something is true.
- Example: probar la inocencia — “to prove innocence.”
To fit or suit someone
- Usually used with clothing or appearance: La camisa te prueba bien — “The shirt suits you well.” This use is less common in many regions than quedar or sentar.

The reflexive form probarse means to try on, especially clothes: probarse un vestido — “to try on a dress.”

Grammar & Word origin

Probar is a transitive verb, although it can also be used without a direct object when the meaning is “to try.”

It is generally conjugated as an -ar verb, but it has an o → ue stem change in the present tense:

yo pruebo — “I try / taste”
tú pruebas — “you try / taste”
él/ella prueba — “he/she tries / tastes”
nosotros probamos — “we try / taste”
ellos prueban — “they try / taste”

The nosotros and vosotros forms do not undergo the stem change. The preterite is regular: probé, probaste, probó.

The verb comes from Latin probāre, meaning “to test,” “to examine,” or “to prove.” It is related to the Spanish adjective probable and noun prueba .

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

Intentar — “to attempt”; focuses on making an effort, whereas probar can also mean tasting, testing, or proving.
Tratar de — “to try to”; usually followed by an infinitive and often emphasizes an attempt.
Experimentar — “to experiment” or “to try out”; suggests exploration or practical testing.
Degustar — “to taste”; more formal or specialized than probar when referring to food or drink.
Testar — “to test”; used especially for products, systems, or abilities.
Demostrar — “to demonstrate” or “to prove”; more common than probar when emphasizing the presentation of evidence.

Antonyms

There is no single direct antonym for all meanings of probar. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

Rechazar — “to reject,” as the opposite of trying or accepting something.
Evitar — “to avoid,” as the opposite of attempting or experiencing something.
Descartar — “to discard” or “to rule out,” as the opposite of testing or considering an option.
Refutar — “to refute,” as an opposite in the context of proving or establishing a claim.

Common phrases & collocations

Probar suerte — “to try one’s luck”
Probar fortuna — “to try one’s luck,” somewhat more literary or formal
Probar a hacer algo — “to try to do something”
Probar que algo es verdad — “to prove that something is true”
Probar un plato — “to taste a dish”
Probarse ropa — “to try on clothes”
Una prueba — “a test,” “trial,” or “piece of evidence,” depending on context
A prueba de — “resistant to” or “proof against,” as in a prueba de agua , “waterproof”