Using "Probar"

Although the Spanish verb probar comes from the same Latin word as the English verb "prove," it has a much wider range of meanings than the English word. It carries with it the idea not only of verifying that something is true, valid or suitable, but also of testing or trying to determine if that is the case. In fact, it can more often be translated as "to test" or "to try" than as "to prove."

Meaning "to prove": When it means "to prove," probar is often followed by que:

• Hernando de Magallanes probó que la Tierra es redonda. Ferdinand Magellan proved that the Earth is round.
• Los científicos probaron que el cerebro de los sicópatas es biológicamente diferente. The scientists proved that the brain of psychopaths is biologically different.
• Si pides asilo político en cualquier lugar, tienes que probar que hay persecución política. If you ask for political asylum anywhere, you have to prove that there is political persecution.
• A veces tengo la sensación que alguien me observa, pero no puedo probarlo. Sometimes I have the feeling that someone is watching me, but I can't prove it.

Meaning "to test" or "to try": Probar is used in a wide variety of contexts to refer to the trying or testing of an item or activity. The context will determine whether "try" or "test" is a suitable translation, although often either one can be used .

• Los científicos probaron la técnica en ratones diabéticos. The scientists tested the technique on diabetic rats.
• We probó el método tradicional empleado en el laboratorio. The traditional method used in the laboratory was tried.
• Se probó la droga en catorce personas. The drug was tested in 14 people.
• Cuando la compañía probó Windows Server, vio importantes beneficios. When the company tried Windows Server, it saw important advantages.
• Una patata chiquita querría volar. Probaba y probaba y no podía volar. A little potato wanted to fly. She tried and she tried and she could not fly.

With food and clothing: Probar is very commonly used when referring to tasting food or putting on clothing, usually but not necessarily to see whether it is suitable. In a few cases, as in the final example below, it can refer to a habitual action rather than a single event.

• Yo no querría probar los saltamontes fritos. I didn't want to taste the fried grasshoppers.
• Esta sopa de pollo es muy cicatrizante y te ayudará. ¡Próbala! This chicken soup is very healing and will help you. Taste it!
• Marco llegó y rápidamente se probó la camisa oficial del equipo. Marco arrived and quickly tried on the team's official shirt.
• Cenicienta se probó la zapatilla de cristal. Cinderella put on the crystal slipper.
• Alejandra no prueba la carne porque piensa que es más sano ser vegetariana. Alejandra doesn't eat meat because she believes it is healthier to be a vegetarian.