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"Prueba" is a noun which is often translated as "test", and "dar un examen" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to take an exam". Learn more about the difference between "prueba" and "dar un examen" below.
la prueba(
prweh
-
bah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (assessment)
b. examination
No pasó la prueba de acceso y tiene que tomar cursos de regularización.He didn't pass the entrance examination and has to take remedial courses.
c. quiz (education) (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Nos han dado una prueba para hacer en casa.We've been given a quiz to do at home.
3. (legal)
a. piece of evidence
El fiscal no pudo presentar ninguna prueba para condenarlo.The prosecution couldn't present a single piece of evidence to convict him.
4. (medicine)
a. test
Tuvo que dar una muestra de orina para la prueba de drogas.He had to give a urine sample for the drug test.
a. audition
El actor fue a una prueba para el papel principal.The actor went to an audition for the leading role.
b. screen test (for the big screen)
Jennifer estuvo impresionante en su primera prueba de cámara.Jennifer was stunning in her first screen test.
6. (sports)
a. event
Fuimos a ver las pruebas de descenso de los Juegos Olímpicos de invierno.We went to see the downhill events at the Winter Olympics.
b. heat (qualifying)
Solo quedaron dos participantes después de las pruebas de clasificación.There were only two participants left after the qualifying heats.
c. race (running competition)
Se está preparando para la prueba de los cien metros.He's training for the hundred meter race.
7. (sewing)
a. fitting
Solo le queda una prueba del vestido de novia.She only has one more fitting for her wedding dress.
a. proof
El fotógrafo miró las pruebas para escoger las fotos que quería poner en su sitio web.The photographer looked at the proofs to choose the photos he wanted to include on his website.
9. (test)
a. probation
Juan todavía no tiene seguridad de empleo porque todavía está en su período de prueba.Juan doesn’t have job security yet, because he’s still in his probation period.
b. trial
Las pruebas clínicas del nuevo medicamento han tenido éxito.The clinical trials of the new medication have been successful.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Bernardo es un piloto de prueba para un fabricante de aviones.Bernardo is a test pilot for an airplane manufacturer.
No me gusta el pescado. - Pero nunca has probado como lo preparo yo. Haz la prueba.I don't like fish. - But you've never tried it the way I make it. Try it.
a. ordeal
Le quedaron las huellas de la prueba dura del asalto.She was scarred by her ordeal of being attacked.
12. (mathematics)
a. check
No te olvides de hacer la prueba del resultado.Don't forget to do a check to confirm the answer.
b. proof
El estudiante se había acordado de escribir Q.E.D. al final pero había omitido uno de los pasos principales de la prueba.The student had remembered to write Q.E.D at the end but had left out one of the key steps of the proof.
dar un examen(
dahr
oon
ehk
-
sah
-
mehn
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to do an exam) (South America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. to take an exam
Si vas a dar un examen, procura dormir bien la noche anterior.If you're going to take an exam, try to get a good night's sleep.
b. to take a test
Ayer di examen de matemáticas, pero aún no sé la calificación.I took a math test yesterday, but I don't know my grade yet.
c. to sit an exam (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Yo ya di todos mis exámenes y ya acabé el curso.I sat all my exams, and my course is finished now.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
2. (to assign an exam) (Mexico) (South America)
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. to give an exam
El profesor de matemáticas nos dio un examen sorpresa el lunes.Our math teacher gave us a surprise exam on Monday.
b. to give a test
La maestra nos da un examen todos los viernes con preguntas sobre todo lo que hemos estudiado durante la semana.The teacher gives us a test every Friday with questions about everything we've studied during the week.
c. to set an exam (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Les voy a dar un examen a mis alumnos para ver si entendieron las últimas tres unidades que les expliqué.I'm going to set an exam for my students to see if they understood the last three units I explained.
