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"Verificar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to verify", and "probar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to try". Learn more about the difference between "verificar" and "probar" below.
verificar(
beh
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ree
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fee
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kahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to verify
Los expertos están verificando la autenticidad de la pintura.Experts are verifying the authenticity of the painting.
b. to check
Voy a verificar en el diccionario cómo se escribe la palabra.I'll check the spelling of the word in the dictionary.
c. to establish (facts)
Tenemos que verificar los hechos de manera objetiva y metódica.We must establish the facts in an objective and methodical manner.
d. to confirm
La policía verificó que el delincuente herido había muerto en el hospital.The police confirmed that the wounded robber died in hospital.
a. to test
Antes de despegar, el piloto verificó los alerones y el timón de cola.The pilot tested the flaps and the tail rudder before taking off.
b. to check
El mecánico verificó los frenos, y no funcionaban.The mechanic checked the brakes and they weren't working.
a. to audit
No le otorgaron permiso para verificar la cuenta bancaria de su pareja.He was not granted permission to audit his spouse's bank account.
a. to carry out
Nuestros aviones verificaron un reconocimiento sobre la isla.Our airplanes carried out an aerial reconnaissance of the island.
verificarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to be verified
Escuché un rumor, pero todavía no se verificó la información.I heard a rumor, but the information wasn't verified yet.
a. to take place
El debate se verificará en el auditorio.The debate will take place in the auditorium.
b. to be held
Las primeras elecciones democráticas se verificaron sin incidentes.The first democratic elections were held without incident.
a. to come true
¿Qué hubiera pasado si se hubiera verificado la profesía maya?What would have happened if the Mayan prophecy had come true?
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probar(
proh
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bahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to try
¿Ya probaste la tarjeta a ver si funciona?Did you try the card to see if it works?
b. to test
Se tiene que probar este producto antes de venderlo.This product needs to be tested before being sold.
c. to try out
Puedes probar el servicio durante un mes antes de suscribirte.You can try out the service for a month before subscribing.
a. to taste
Déjame probar la sopa.Let me taste the soup.
b. to try
Nunca había probado gallo pinto hasta ahora.I had never tried fried rice and beans until now.
a. to prove
Solo el tiempo probará que estás equivocado.Only time can prove you that you're wrong.
probarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to try on
¿Por qué no te pruebas el vestido antes de comprarlo?Why don't you try the dress on before buying it?
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