Want to master “Probar” conjugations fast?

This short audio loop makes it easy to memorize the forms for the Imperfect Tense — just press play.

🔊 Audio plays automatically on a loop – makes memorization easy. While the audio plays, follow the chart below to reinforce what you hear.

Conjugation Chart

“Probar” (to try) in the Imperfect Tense

Learn Faster with Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Imperfect Tense of “Probar”

The Imperfect Tense of Probar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example: Yo probaba la comida antes de servirla. (I used to taste the food before serving it.)

Probar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Imperfect Tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Probar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of probar is used to describe ongoing, repeated or habitual actions in the past.

To try or taste something: For example, Probaba el vino antes de comprarlo. (I used to try the wine before buying it.) This usage is common when referring to sampling food or drink.

To attempt or test something: For example, Probaba diferentes métodos para resolver el problema. (I tried different methods to solve the problem.) This meaning relates to making an effort or experiment.

To experience or go through something: For example, Probaba mucha angustia por la situación. (I was experiencing a lot of anguish due to the situation.) This usage conveys enduring an emotional or physical state.

To try on clothes (colloquial): For example, Probaba varios vestidos antes de decidir cuál comprar. (I tried on several dresses before deciding which one to buy.)

To take a taste or sip (colloquial): For example, ¿Puedo probar tu bebida? (Can I take a sip of your drink?)

Real Life Examples of Probar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo probaba la comida antes de servirla para asegurarme de que tuviera buen sabor. (I used to taste the food before serving it to make sure it tasted good.)

Cuando éramos niños, probábamos diferentes juegos en el parque. (When we were kids, we used to try different games at the park.)

Mi amigo probaba suerte en las máquinas tragamonedas, pero nunca ganaba. (My friend used to try his luck at the slot machines, but never won.)

Antes de comprar un auto nuevo, probábamos diferentes modelos para ver cuál nos gustaba más. (Before buying a new car, we used to test drive different models to see which one we liked best.)

En la universidad, probaba diferentes técnicas de estudio para ver cuál funcionaba mejor para mí. (In college, I used to try different study techniques to see which one worked best for me.)

Cuando probaba un nuevo deporte, siempre me aseguraba de seguir las instrucciones del entrenador. (When I tried a new sport, I always made sure to follow the coach’s instructions.)

Mi hermana probaba diferentes peinados antes de salir a una cita. (My sister used to try different hairstyles before going on a date.)

En la cocina, probábamos nuevas recetas y experimentábamos con diferentes ingredientes. (In the kitchen, we used to try new recipes and experiment with different ingredients.)

Antes de viajar, probaba algunas frases básicas en el idioma local para poder comunicarme mejor. (Before traveling, I used to practice some basic phrases in the local language to be able to communicate better.)

Cuando probábamos un nuevo restaurante, siempre pedíamos platos diferentes para probar una variedad de sabores. (When we tried a new restaurant, we always ordered different dishes to try a variety of flavors.)

En el trabajo, probaba diferentes enfoques para resolver problemas y encontrar la mejor solución. (At work, I used to try different approaches to solve problems and find the best solution.)

Mis padres probaban diferentes métodos para enseñarnos a ser responsables y organizados. (My parents used to try different methods to teach us to be responsible and organized.)

Cuando probábamos un nuevo videojuego, pasábamos horas explorando todas las características y niveles. (When we tried a new video game, we used to spend hours exploring all the features and levels.)

En la escuela, probaba diferentes estrategias para mejorar mi concentración durante los exámenes. (In school, I used to try different strategies to improve my concentration during exams.)

Mis amigos y yo probábamos diferentes actividades al aire libre, como acampar o escalar, para mantenernos activos. (My friends and I used to try different outdoor activities, like camping or rock climbing, to stay active.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Probar (to try) in the Imperfect Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.