What it's NOT
probe does NOT translate to probar.
To say "probar" in English, use to taste / to try.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
probe
Does NOT mean probar
It means a thorough investigation / a space probe
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
probe means a thorough investigation / a space probe.
Why it's confused
Spanish "probar" means to verify something or to taste it. English "probe" is a thorough investigation or a space exploration instrument. It also means to examine something closely. Tasting or trying in English is "test" or "taste."
How it's pronounced
probePRÓUB
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Examples of correct use
English
Police launched a probe into the case.
Spanish
La policía abrió una investigación del caso.
English
The space probe reached Mars.
Spanish
La sonda espacial llegó a Marte.
A trick to remember it
Probe = a thorough investigation (or a space probe). Tasting/trying (Spanish "probar") = taste/try.
Mini quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What does "probe" mean in English?
"Probe" means "a thorough investigation / a space probe". It looks a lot like "probar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "probar" in English?
To say "probar" in English, use "to taste / to try". If you use "probe" instead, you would actually be saying "a thorough investigation / a space probe".
Do "probe" and "probar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "probar" means to verify something or to taste it. English "probe" is a thorough investigation or a space exploration instrument. It also means to examine something closely. Tasting or trying in English is "test" or "taste."
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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