The Present Tense of probar is used to describe actions happening now or facts that are currently true. For example, Pruebo la comida antes de servirla. (I taste the food before serving it.)

Probar is a stem-changing verb, meaning the vowel in the stem changes in certain conjugations. The o changes to ue in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Probar (to try/test) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):

Probar generally means to try, test or taste something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To try or test: For example, Yo pruebo el nuevo videojuego. (I try the new video game.)

To taste food or drink: For example, Ella prueba el vino tinto. (She tastes the red wine.)

To demonstrate or show: For example, Él prueba su habilidad en el escenario. (He demonstrates his ability on stage.)

To experience or go through: For example, Nosotros probamos muchas dificultades. (We go through many difficulties.)

To put on clothes (colloquial): For example, ¿Puedo probar esos pantalones? (Can I try on those pants?)

To take drugs (slang): For example, Vosotros probáis drogas en la fiesta. (You guys do drugs at the party.)

Examples

Examples of Probar in the Present Tense

Cada mañana pruebo un nuevo café de la cafetería. (Every morning I try a new coffee from the cafe.)

Mis amigos prueban la nueva aplicación de citas esta noche. (My friends are trying the new dating app tonight.)

¿Pruebas el pastel que hice? Quiero saber si te gusta. (Do you want to try the cake I made? I want to know if you like it.)

En la clase de cocina, probamos diferentes especias y salsas. (In the cooking class, we try different spices and sauces.)

Ustedes prueban la nueva ruta de senderismo este fin de semana, ¿verdad? (You all are trying the new hiking trail this weekend, right?)

Los críticos de cine prueban las nuevas películas antes de que se estrenen. (The movie critics try the new films before they are released.)

Cada vez que voy a un restaurante nuevo, pruebo un plato diferente. (Every time I go to a new restaurant, I try a different dish.)

Los jugadores prueban una nueva estrategia en el próximo partido. (The players are trying a new strategy in the next game.)

¿Probáis el nuevo videojuego que salió ayer? Dicen que es muy emocionante. (Are you all trying the new video game that came out yesterday? They say it’s very exciting.)

Mamá, prueba esta ensalada que preparé. Me gustaría saber tu opinión. (Mom, try this salad that I prepared. I’d like to know your opinion.)

Los científicos prueban nuevos medicamentos para curar enfermedades. (Scientists are testing new medicines to cure diseases.)

En la clase de arte, probamos diferentes técnicas de pintura con acuarelas. (In the art class, we try different watercolor painting techniques.)

Los chefs prueban nuevas recetas antes de agregarlas al menú del restaurante. (The chefs try new recipes before adding them to the restaurant’s menu.)

Mis primos prueban un deporte nuevo cada verano. (My cousins try a new sport every summer.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Probar (to try/test) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.