At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'experimentar' very often, as you usually stick to simpler verbs like 'sentir' (to feel) or 'tener' (to have). However, it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a fancy way to say you are feeling something or trying something out. For example, if you are in a science class, you might 'experimentar' with water and salt. At this stage, just remember that it looks like the English word 'experiment'. You can use it to talk about very basic things you are feeling, like 'Yo experimento alegría' (I experience joy), although 'Estoy feliz' is more common for beginners. The main thing to learn is that it ends in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar'. If you see it in a book, look for the context—is the person feeling something, or are they doing a science project? This will help you understand which meaning is being used. Don't worry about using it perfectly yet; just focus on recognizing it when you see it in short sentences about feelings or simple science.
By A2, you are starting to describe your life and your past experiences in more detail. 'Experimentar' becomes useful when you want to talk about things that happened to you. Instead of just saying 'I had a problem', you might say 'Experimenté un problema' (I experienced a problem). This makes your Spanish sound a bit more advanced. You also start to use the past tense (preterite) more often, like 'Ayer experimenté una sensación extraña' (Yesterday I experienced a strange sensation). You might also use it when talking about travel or new hobbies, such as 'Quiero experimentar la comida de México'. Even though 'probar' is better for food, in a broad sense of 'experiencing the culture through food', 'experimentar' works. You should also start to notice the preposition 'con'. If you are playing with a new app on your phone to see how it works, you are 'experimentando con la aplicación'. It is a regular verb, so practicing its conjugation in the present and past will give you a solid foundation for moving toward the B1 level.
At the B1 level, 'experimentar' is a key verb for expressing more complex ideas. You are now expected to talk about feelings, reactions, and processes. This is the level where you distinguish between 'sentir' (a quick feeling) and 'experimentar' (a more significant or lasting experience). For example, you might discuss how 'La ciudad ha experimentado muchos cambios en los últimos años' (The city has experienced many changes in recent years). This level also introduces the perfect tenses, so you will often use 'He experimentado' (I have experienced). You should be comfortable using it in professional or academic contexts, such as describing a project where you had to 'experimentar con diferentes materiales'. You are also learning to use it with abstract nouns like 'libertad', 'presión', or 'curiosidad'. Understanding the difference between 'un experimento' (the noun) and 'experimentar' (the verb) is crucial at this stage to avoid grammatical errors in your writing and speaking. You should be able to use this verb to add variety to your vocabulary and avoid repeating simpler verbs like 'pasar' or 'tener'.
At B2, your use of 'experimentar' should be precise and natural. You understand that this verb can be used to describe economic trends, social phenomena, and deep psychological states. You might use it in a debate to say, 'Muchos jóvenes experimentan una falta de oportunidades' (Many young people experience a lack of opportunities). You are also familiar with its use in the passive voice or with the impersonal 'se', which is common in formal reports: 'Se experimentó una mejoría notable en los resultados'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related words like 'experimentado' (meaning 'experienced' or 'veteran') as an adjective. For example, 'Es un profesor muy experimentado'. You also know when to use synonyms like 'vivenciar' or 'padecer' depending on the nuance you want to convey. At this level, you can handle the subjunctive with this verb: 'Es importante que los niños experimenten con la naturaleza'. You are no longer just translating from English; you are choosing 'experimentar' because it is the most appropriate word for the level of formality and the specific type of experience you are describing.
At the C1 level, you use 'experimentar' to convey subtle nuances in complex narratives and technical discussions. You recognize its role in academic prose where it often replaces more common verbs to provide a more clinical or objective tone. You might analyze how a character in a novel 'experimenta una crisis de identidad', discussing the internal development of the protagonist with sophisticated vocabulary. You are also aware of the word's placement in more idiomatic or high-level structures, and you can use it fluently in the future or conditional tenses to speculate about outcomes: 'Si cambiamos la estrategia, podríamos experimentar un repunte en las ventas'. You understand the nuances between 'experimentar algo' and 'experimentar con algo' perfectly and never confuse them. Furthermore, you can use the word in varied registers, from a scientific paper to a philosophical discussion about 'la forma en que experimentamos el tiempo'. Your command of the verb allows you to integrate it into complex sentence structures involving relative clauses and advanced conjunctions, making your speech and writing flow naturally and professionally.
At the C2 mastery level, 'experimentar' is a tool you use with complete precision and stylistic flair. You are fully aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the Romance family, allowing you to appreciate its use in classical and contemporary literature. You can use it to describe the most abstract concepts, such as 'experimentar la trascendencia' or 'experimentar la vacuidad', with the appropriate surrounding vocabulary. You are also adept at using it in highly specialized fields, whether it be in a legal brief describing how a victim 'experimentó daños y perjuicios' or in a scientific journal detailing a complex trial. You can play with the word's connotations, using it ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated social settings. Your use of the verb is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You also have a deep understanding of how the word has evolved and can recognize its use in various regional dialects of Spanish, understanding any slight shifts in preference for synonyms like 'vivenciar' in certain South American academic circles.

experimentar en 30 secondes

  • Experimentar means to experience a feeling or to conduct a scientific experiment.
  • It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses.
  • Use it with 'con' when you are testing an object or a method (experimenting with).
  • It is more formal than 'sentir' and is common in news, science, and medicine.

The Spanish verb experimentar is a powerful and versatile word that English speakers often encounter early in their journey toward B1 proficiency. At its core, it serves two primary functions: describing the act of feeling or undergoing an internal state, and describing the act of conducting a scientific or practical test. Unlike some verbs that are limited to either the emotional or the physical realm, experimentar comfortably straddles both. When you talk about experimentar una gran alegría (experiencing great joy), you are describing a subjective, internal process. Conversely, when a scientist says they need to experimentar con nuevas vacunas (experiment with new vaccines), they are referring to an objective, external methodology. This duality makes it an essential verb for nuanced communication in Spanish-speaking cultures.

Subjective Experience
This refers to the internal feelings, sensations, or emotions that a person undergoes. It is often synonymous with 'sentir' but carries a slightly more formal or profound tone. For example, 'experimentar dolor' sounds more clinical or intense than simply 'sentir dolor'.
Empirical Testing
This refers to the scientific method or trial-and-error processes. It involves the preposition 'con' when you are testing a specific object or theory. For instance, 'experimentar con fuego' (to experiment with fire).

Es fundamental experimentar diferentes culturas para abrir la mente al mundo moderno y globalizado.

In daily life, you will hear this word in news reports discussing economic shifts—la economía experimentó un crecimiento—or in medical consultations where a doctor asks if you have experimentado algún síntoma nuevo. It is a 'high-value' verb because it elevates your speech from basic A2 level descriptions to more sophisticated B1 and B2 observations. It suggests a level of awareness or a structured approach to a situation. Furthermore, it is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation predictable and easy to master once the conceptual meaning is understood.

Los científicos decidieron experimentar con el nuevo compuesto químico en un ambiente controlado.

Formal Usage
In literature and journalism, 'experimentar' is used to describe historical changes or societal shifts, such as 'La región experimentó una transformación radical'.

Nunca dejes de experimentar nuevas recetas en la cocina; el error es parte del aprendizaje.

Using experimentar correctly requires understanding its transitivity and its relationship with prepositions. When used to mean 'to feel' or 'to undergo', it is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. You do not need a preposition between the verb and the feeling. For example, 'Experimenté miedo' (I experienced fear). Here, 'miedo' is the direct object. This is a common pattern for describing emotions, physical sensations, or life events. It is important not to confuse this with the reflexive 'sentirse', which requires an adjective (e.g., 'Me siento feliz' vs. 'Experimento felicidad').

Direct Object Pattern
[Subject] + [Conjugated Experimentar] + [Noun (Feeling/State)]. Example: 'Ella experimentó una mejoría en su salud'.
Prepositional Pattern
[Subject] + [Conjugated Experimentar] + con + [Noun (Object/Method)]. Example: 'El chef experimenta con sabores exóticos'.

Muchos pacientes suelen experimentar fatiga después del tratamiento médico intensivo.

In the context of scientific exploration or trying something new out of curiosity, the preposition con is mandatory. This mirrors the English 'to experiment with'. If you say 'Experimenté el coche', it implies you felt the car (perhaps its vibration or presence), but if you say 'Experimenté con el coche', it implies you performed tests or trials on it. This distinction is subtle but vital for clarity. In academic writing, you will often find it in the passive voice or with 'se' to indicate general occurrences: 'Se experimentó un aumento en las temperaturas' (An increase in temperatures was experienced/observed).

¿Has experimentado alguna vez la sensación de volar en un túnel de viento?

Tense Nuances
The preterite 'experimentó' often signals a completed, specific event in the past, whereas the imperfect 'experimentaba' suggests a continuous state or a recurring experience during a period of time.

You will encounter experimentar in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the highly formal to the moderately informal. In the news and media, it is the go-to verb for reporting statistics and trends. If the stock market drops, the news anchor might say, 'La bolsa ha experimentado una caída histórica'. In this context, 'experimentar' lends an air of objective reporting. It avoids the personification of the market while clearly stating that a change occurred. You will also find it frequently in the world of technology and startups, where 'experimentar con nuevos algoritmos' is a daily activity.

El país está por experimentar una de las reformas legislativas más importantes de su historia moderna.

In a more personal or psychological context, you will hear it in podcasts or self-help books. Authors often discuss experimentar el ahora (experiencing the now) or experimentar plenitud (experiencing fulfillment). In these cases, the word is chosen for its depth; it suggests more than just a passing feeling—it suggests a profound immersion in a state of being. Healthcare is another major domain. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists use it to discuss side effects or the efficacy of a treatment: '¿Ha experimentado mareos con esta medicación?' (Have you experienced dizziness with this medication?).

Es normal experimentar nerviosismo antes de una presentación ante una audiencia tan grande.

Educational Context
In schools, teachers encourage students to 'experimentar' in science labs, emphasizing the hands-on nature of learning through trial.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using experimentar when they actually mean 'to try' in the sense of 'to try on clothes' or 'to try food'. For clothes, you must use probarse, and for food, probar. If you say 'Quiero experimentar esta pizza', a native speaker might think you are planning to perform a laboratory analysis on it rather than eating it. While 'experimentar' can mean 'to try' in a very broad sense of 'to test a theory', it is rarely used for simple daily actions like tasting or wearing items.

Mistake: Food/Clothes
Incorrect: 'Voy a experimentar los zapatos'. Correct: 'Voy a probarme los zapatos'.
Mistake: Missing 'Con'
Incorrect: 'El científico experimenta la medicina'. Correct: 'El científico experimenta con la medicina'. (Unless he is actually taking it and feeling its effects himself).

No confundas experimentar (vivir algo) con 'probar' (testear algo brevemente o comer).

Another common error is the confusion between experimentar and vivir. While both can mean 'to live/experience', vivir is more general. You 'live' a life, but you 'experience' a specific event within that life. Saying 'Experimento en Madrid' is incorrect if you mean 'I live in Madrid' (Vivo en Madrid). However, you could say 'Estoy experimentando una vida nueva en Madrid' (I am experiencing a new life in Madrid). The latter implies a qualitative observation of your new situation, whereas the former is just a statement of residence.

Es un error común decir que vas a experimentar una camisa; lo correcto es 'probarse'.

To truly master experimentar, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in shade and intensity. The most common alternative is sentir (to feel). While 'sentir' is used for any sensation, 'experimentar' is often reserved for more complex, prolonged, or significant experiences. For instance, you 'feel' a pinch, but you 'experience' a period of grief. Another close relative is vivenciar, which specifically means 'to live through' or 'to experience firsthand'. It is more common in psychological or sociological academic texts than in everyday conversation.

Sentir vs. Experimentar
'Sentir' is more immediate and sensory. 'Experimentar' is more comprehensive and often implies a process or a specific event of undergoing something.
Probar vs. Experimentar
'Probar' is to try something to see if you like it or if it works. 'Experimentar' is to use something as part of a trial or to see what happens under different conditions.

Podemos vivenciar la historia a través de los museos, pero experimentamos la cultura en las calles.

In a scientific context, ensayar is a strong alternative. It means 'to test' or 'to rehearse'. While 'experimentar' focuses on the broad act of discovery, 'ensayar' often focuses on the repetition or the trial of a specific protocol. In art, you might use explorar (to explore). An artist might 'experimentar con colores' or 'explorar nuevas técnicas'. 'Explorar' suggests a journey of discovery without the necessarily rigid structure of a scientific experiment. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the feeling, the test, the life-event, or the exploration.

A veces es mejor ensayar el discurso varias veces antes de experimentar los nervios del escenario.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word share the same root as 'expert' (experto) and 'peril' (peligro). In ancient times, an 'expert' was someone who had 'tried' or 'tested' things many times, often risking 'peril' to gain that knowledge.

Guide de prononciation

UK /eks.pe.ɾi.men.ˈtaɾ/
US /eks.pe.ɾi.men.ˈtaɾ/
The stress is on the final syllable 'tar' because it is an infinitive ending in 'r'.
Rime avec
cantar hablar mirar llegar pensar amar saltar volar
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'x' as 's' (esperimentar) - though common in some dialects, 'eks' is the standard.
  • Putting the stress on the 'men' syllable (experiméntar) instead of the 'tar'.
  • Failing to tap the 'r' sounds correctly.
  • Pronouncing the 'i' like the English 'eye' instead of the Spanish 'ee'.
  • Making the 'e' sounds too long like 'ay' instead of short like in 'met'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to English 'experiment'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of when to use the preposition 'con'.

Expression orale 3/5

Stress on the final syllable is important for clear communication.

Écoute 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

sentir probar hacer nuevo ciencia

Apprends ensuite

vivenciar padecer ensayar comprobar analizar

Avancé

empirismo metodología introspección vicisitud contingencia

Grammaire à connaître

Regular -AR verb conjugation

Yo experimento, tú experimentas, él experimenta...

Use of 'con' for instruments or materials of experimentation

Experimentamos con nuevas herramientas.

Direct object placement for emotions

La alegría que experimenté fue inmensa.

Subjunctive with expressions of emotion

Me alegra que experimentes cosas nuevas.

Passive 'se' for impersonal observations

Se experimentaron cambios en el clima.

Exemples par niveau

1

Yo experimento alegría con mi perro.

I experience joy with my dog.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

2

Los niños experimentan en la escuela.

The children experiment at school.

Third person plural, present tense.

3

¿Tú experimentas miedo?

Do you experience fear?

Question form, second person singular.

4

Ella quiere experimentar algo nuevo.

She wants to experience something new.

Infinitive form after 'querer'.

5

Nosotros experimentamos con colores.

We experiment with colors.

First person plural, present tense.

6

El gato experimenta curiosidad.

The cat experiences curiosity.

Third person singular, present tense.

7

No me gusta experimentar dolor.

I don't like to experience pain.

Negative sentence with infinitive.

8

Ellos experimentan con música.

They experiment with music.

Third person plural, present tense.

1

Ayer experimenté una gran sorpresa.

Yesterday I experienced a great surprise.

Preterite tense, first person singular.

2

Ella experimentó mucha paz en el campo.

She experienced a lot of peace in the countryside.

Preterite tense, third person singular.

3

¿Has experimentado el frío de la montaña?

Have you experienced the cold of the mountain?

Present perfect tense.

4

Mi abuelo experimentó muchos cambios.

My grandfather experienced many changes.

Preterite tense for completed past events.

5

Estamos experimentando con una receta nueva.

We are experimenting with a new recipe.

Present continuous tense.

6

Él experimentaba nervios antes de hablar.

He used to experience nerves before speaking.

Imperfect tense for habitual past states.

7

Quiero experimentar la vida en la ciudad.

I want to experience life in the city.

Infinitive expressing desire.

8

Ellos no experimentaron ningún problema.

They didn't experience any problem.

Negative preterite tense.

1

Es normal experimentar estrés en el trabajo.

It's normal to experience stress at work.

Impersonal 'es' + adjective + infinitive.

2

El paciente empezó a experimentar una mejoría.

The patient began to experience an improvement.

Periphrastic construction 'empezar a' + infinitive.

3

Si viajas solo, vas a experimentar mucha libertad.

If you travel alone, you are going to experience a lot of freedom.

First conditional sentence.

4

Los científicos están experimentando con células madre.

Scientists are experimenting with stem cells.

Present continuous with preposition 'con'.

5

Nunca había experimentado algo tan hermoso.

I had never experienced something so beautiful.

Past perfect tense (Pluscuamperfecto).

6

Espero que experimentes mucha felicidad en tu boda.

I hope you experience a lot of happiness at your wedding.

Present subjunctive after a verb of hope.

7

La empresa experimentó un crecimiento del diez por ciento.

The company experienced a growth of ten percent.

Preterite tense in a formal/business context.

8

Debes experimentar con diferentes técnicas de estudio.

You should experiment with different study techniques.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

1

Al jubilarse, mucha gente experimenta un vacío.

Upon retiring, many people experience a void.

Temporal clause with 'al' + infinitive.

2

El país experimentó una transición democrática pacífica.

The country experienced a peaceful democratic transition.

Formal historical description.

3

Es fundamental que el artista experimente con la luz.

It is fundamental that the artist experiments with light.

Present subjunctive in an impersonal expression.

4

A pesar de la crisis, no experimentamos pérdidas.

Despite the crisis, we did not experience losses.

Concessive clause with 'a pesar de'.

5

Suele experimentar migrañas cuando hay mucha presión.

He usually experiences migraines when there is a lot of pressure.

Verb 'soler' expressing habit.

6

La tecnología ha experimentado un avance sin precedentes.

Technology has experienced an unprecedented advance.

Present perfect with a sophisticated noun phrase.

7

Si no experimentaras tanto, terminarías antes.

If you didn't experiment so much, you would finish sooner.

Second conditional (imperfect subjunctive + conditional).

8

Experimentar el rechazo es parte del crecimiento personal.

Experiencing rejection is part of personal growth.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

1

La arquitectura moderna experimenta con volúmenes audaces.

Modern architecture experiments with bold volumes.

Sophisticated use in an artistic context.

2

Pocos han experimentado la soledad de la alta mar.

Few have experienced the loneliness of the high seas.

Present perfect with an abstract, poetic object.

3

El mercado bursátil experimentó una volatilidad extrema.

The stock market experienced extreme volatility.

Technical financial terminology.

4

Dudo que el paciente experimente efectos secundarios graves.

I doubt the patient will experience serious side effects.

Subjunctive after a verb of doubt.

5

Al experimentar con la genética, surgen dilemas éticos.

When experimenting with genetics, ethical dilemmas arise.

Gerund-like use of 'al' + infinitive in a complex sentence.

6

La región experimentó un proceso de desindustrialización.

The region experienced a process of deindustrialization.

Academic historical description.

7

Quien no arriesga, no llega a experimentar el éxito.

He who does not risk, does not get to experience success.

Relative clause as subject.

8

Es posible experimentar una epifanía en los momentos más simples.

It is possible to experience an epiphany in the simplest moments.

Philosophical use of the infinitive.

1

La lírica de Góngora experimenta con la sintaxis latina.

Góngora's lyric poetry experiments with Latin syntax.

Literary analysis context.

2

El tejido social experimentó una erosión paulatina.

The social fabric experienced a gradual erosion.

High-level sociological metaphor.

3

Habiendo experimentado la guerra, valoraba más la paz.

Having experienced war, he valued peace more.

Compound gerund (participio compuesto).

4

La teoría cuántica permite experimentar con la realidad misma.

Quantum theory allows for experimenting with reality itself.

Scientific/Philosophical register.

5

No es baladí experimentar con la paciencia de los ciudadanos.

It is no trivial matter to experiment with the citizens' patience.

Idiomatic expression 'no es baladí'.

6

El autor experimenta una catarsis a través de su obra.

The author experiences a catharsis through his work.

Psychological/Literary terminology.

7

Se teme que la economía experimente una estanflación.

It is feared that the economy will experience stagflation.

Impersonal 'se' followed by subjunctive.

8

Cualquier persona que experimente tal trauma requiere apoyo.

Anyone who experiences such trauma requires support.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with an unspecified antecedent.

Collocations courantes

experimentar un cambio
experimentar una sensación
experimentar con animales
experimentar una mejoría
experimentar un crecimiento
experimentar dolor
experimentar alegría
experimentar dificultades
experimentar con nuevos métodos
experimentar en carne propia

Phrases Courantes

experimentar algo nuevo

— To try or undergo something you haven't done before.

Me gusta viajar para experimentar algo nuevo.

experimentar un vacío

— To feel a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose.

Tras su partida, experimentó un gran vacío.

experimentar con drogas

— To use illegal substances as a trial or for the first time.

Muchos adolescentes experimentan con drogas por curiosidad.

experimentar una transformación

— To undergo a significant change in form or character.

La empresa experimentó una transformación digital.

experimentar en el laboratorio

— To conduct scientific tests in a controlled environment.

Pasó años experimentando en el laboratorio.

experimentar una caída

— To undergo a decrease in value, amount, or physical position.

Las ventas experimentaron una caída en invierno.

experimentar alivio

— To feel a reduction in pain, stress, or worry.

Experimentó alivio al saber que todo estaba bien.

experimentar por primera vez

— To have an experience for the very first time.

Experimentó la nieve por primera vez a los veinte años.

experimentar rechazo

— To feel excluded or turned down by others.

Es duro experimentar rechazo social.

experimentar una crisis

— To go through a period of intense difficulty or danger.

El sector experimentó una crisis sin igual.

Souvent confondu avec

experimentar vs probar

Probar is for food or trying on clothes. Experimentar is for deeper experiences or scientific tests.

experimentar vs vivir

Vivir means to live (reside or exist). Experimentar means to undergo a specific event or feeling.

experimentar vs sentir

Sentir is more sensory and immediate. Experimentar is more process-oriented and formal.

Expressions idiomatiques

"experimentar en cabeza ajena"

— To learn from the mistakes or experiences of others.

Nadie experimenta en cabeza ajena; todos cometemos errores.

informal/popular
"experimentar en carne propia"

— To experience something personally and directly, usually something difficult.

Hasta que no lo experimentas en carne propia, no lo entiendes.

neutral
"ser un conejillo de indias"

— To be a guinea pig; to be the subject of an experiment.

No quiero ser tu conejillo de indias para esta receta.

informal
"hacer experimentos con gaseosa"

— To try something risky in a situation where the consequences are minor (literally: making experiments with soda water).

Si vas a cambiar el sistema, haz experimentos con gaseosa primero.

informal (Spain)
"vivir para contarlo"

— To experience something very dangerous and survive to tell the story.

Fue un accidente terrible, pero vivió para contarlo.

neutral
"pasar por el aro"

— To experience having to do something against one's will (to jump through hoops).

Tuvo que pasar por el aro para conseguir el permiso.

informal
"estar de vuelta de todo"

— To have experienced so much that nothing surprises you anymore.

A su edad, ya está de vuelta de todo.

informal
"quemarse las pestañas"

— To experience studying or working very hard, especially at night.

Se quemó las pestañas experimentando con el nuevo software.

informal
"dar en el clavo"

— To experience success by finding the exact solution during an experiment.

Después de mucho experimentar, dio en el clavo.

informal
"caer en la cuenta"

— To experience a sudden realization or understanding.

Experimentó una duda y luego cayó en la cuenta del error.

neutral

Facile à confondre

experimentar vs experimento

It's the noun form, often confused with the verb.

Experimento is the 'test' itself (noun). Experimentar is the action of 'doing the test' (verb).

Hice un experimento (noun). Quiero experimentar (verb).

experimentar vs experiencia

It's the noun form of the feeling/event.

Experiencia is the 'knowledge or event' (noun). Experimentar is the 'act of having' that event (verb).

Tengo mucha experiencia. Ella quiere experimentar la libertad.

experimentar vs experimentado

It can be the past participle or an adjective.

As an adjective, it means 'expert' or 'veteran'. As a verb part, it's 'experienced'.

Es un piloto experimentado (adjective).

experimentar vs probarse

English speakers say 'try on' and translate it as 'experiment'.

Probarse is exclusively for clothing. Experimentar is never for clothing.

Pruébate esta chaqueta.

experimentar vs ensayar

Both involve testing.

Ensayar is for rehearsals (music, theater) or specific clinical trials. Experimentar is broader.

Ensayamos la obra de teatro.

Structures de phrases

A1

Sujeto + experimentar + sustantivo.

Yo experimento felicidad.

A2

Sujeto + haber + experimentado + sustantivo.

Él ha experimentado el frío.

B1

Sujeto + experimentar + con + objeto.

Nosotros experimentamos con la tecnología.

B2

Es + adjetivo + que + sujeto + experimente.

Es bueno que experimentes el arte.

C1

Al + experimentar + sustantivo, + oración.

Al experimentar el éxito, se sintió humilde.

C2

Habiendo + experimentado + sustantivo...

Habiendo experimentado la derrota, ya no temía nada.

B1

Sujeto + soler + experimentar + sustantivo.

Ella suele experimentar alergias en primavera.

B2

Se + experimentó + un/una + sustantivo.

Se experimentó una mejora en el servicio.

Famille de mots

Noms

experimento (experiment)
experiencia (experience)
experimentación (experimentation)
experimentador (experimenter)

Verbes

experimentar (to experience/experiment)

Adjectifs

experimentado (experienced/expert)
experimental (experimental)

Apparenté

experto
pericia
empírico
vivencia
sentimiento

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Highly frequent in formal writing and news; moderately frequent in daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes
  • Experimentar una camisa. Probarse una camisa.

    You use 'probarse' for clothes, not 'experimentar'.

  • El científico experimenta la rata. El científico experimenta con la rata.

    Scientific testing requires the preposition 'con'.

  • Me experimento feliz. Me siento feliz / Experimento felicidad.

    'Experimentar' is not a reflexive verb like 'sentirse'. Use it with a noun.

  • Experimento en Londres. Vivo en Londres.

    'Experimentar' is not a synonym for 'to live' in the sense of residence.

  • Hice un experimentar. Hice un experimento.

    Don't confuse the verb (experimentar) with the noun (experimento).

Astuces

The 'Con' Rule

Use 'con' for scientific tests and no preposition for emotions. 'Experimento con fuego' vs 'Experimento miedo'.

Upgrade 'Sentir'

In your B1 exams, swap 'sentir' for 'experimentar' to show a higher level of vocabulary.

Artistic Use

Use it when talking about 'vanguardia' (avant-garde) art or music to sound like a local expert.

Pronunciation

Make sure the 'x' is audible (eks) and the stress is clearly on the last syllable 'tar'.

Context Clues

If you hear it in the news, expect it to be followed by 'cambio', 'crecimiento', or 'caída'.

Impersonal Se

Use 'Se experimentó...' in formal reports to describe observations without saying 'I' or 'We'.

Shared Experiences

Use 'Hemos experimentado...' to build rapport when talking about common challenges with friends.

Describing Symptoms

It's the perfect verb for telling a doctor about new sensations: 'He experimentado mareos'.

Internal States

Use it for abstract nouns like 'plenitud', 'vacío', or 'ansiedad' for more depth.

Word Family

Connect it to 'experiencia' and 'experimento' to remember all three words at once.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an 'EXPERiment' in a 'TAR' pit. You would definitely 'EXPERIMENTAR' (experience) some sticky trouble if you fell in!

Association visuelle

Imagine a scientist in a lab coat (experimenting) who suddenly feels a huge wave of joy (experiencing) because the test worked.

Word Web

Experimento Ciencia Sentir Vivir Probar Laboratorio Emoción Cambio

Défi

Write three sentences: one about a feeling you had today, one about a science project, and one about a change in your city, all using 'experimentar'.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'experimentari', which is a frequentative verb derived from 'experiri' meaning 'to try' or 'to attempt'.

Sens originel : To put to the test, to try out, or to gain knowledge through practice.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'experimentar con' when referring to people or social groups, as it can sound dehumanizing if not used carefully in a sociological context.

English speakers often over-use 'experimentar' for 'trying on' things. Remember: clothes = probarse.

Experimental music scenes in Mexico City and Madrid. Scientific breakthroughs by Spanish Nobel laureates like Ramón y Cajal. The phrase 'experimentar en carne propia' used in many popular songs (boleros).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Medical/Health

  • experimentar síntomas
  • experimentar efectos secundarios
  • experimentar una mejoría
  • experimentar dolor agudo

Science/Research

  • experimentar con variables
  • experimentar en el laboratorio
  • experimentar con prototipos
  • experimentar una hipótesis

Business/Economics

  • experimentar un crecimiento
  • experimentar una crisis
  • experimentar volatilidad
  • experimentar pérdidas

Personal Growth

  • experimentar la paz
  • experimentar el amor
  • experimentar el éxito
  • experimentar el fracaso

Art/Cooking

  • experimentar con colores
  • experimentar con sabores
  • experimentar con texturas
  • experimentar con formas

Amorces de conversation

"¿Has experimentado alguna vez una sensación de 'déjà vu'?"

"¿Con qué tipo de comida te gusta experimentar en la cocina?"

"¿Qué cambios ha experimentado tu ciudad en los últimos cinco años?"

"¿Crees que es mejor experimentar mucho o buscar estabilidad?"

"¿Alguna vez has experimentado un miedo irracional?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una situación en la que experimentaste una gran alegría inesperada.

Escribe sobre un experimento científico que hiciste en la escuela y qué aprendiste.

¿Cómo crees que la sociedad experimentará el avance de la inteligencia artificial?

Reflexiona sobre un momento en el que experimentaste un cambio difícil en tu vida.

Si pudieras experimentar la vida de otra persona por un día, ¿quién sería y por qué?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'probar'. 'Experimentar con la pizza' would mean you are doing a science project with it.

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb in all tenses, which makes it very easy to conjugate.

'Sentir' is more common for simple feelings (I feel hot). 'Experimentar' is for more significant states (I experienced a period of growth).

No. Only when you are experimenting 'with' something (a tool, a method). For feelings, use no preposition.

Yes, it is common to say 'experimentar la ciudad' to mean truly living and feeling its culture.

Yes, in a medical context, like 'experimentar dolor', though 'sufrir' or 'padecer' are more specific for pain.

You use the adjective form 'experimentado': 'un médico experimentado'.

'Experimento' is a scientific test. 'Experiencia' is a life event or accumulated knowledge.

Grammatically yes, but it sounds like a scientific trial. Use 'tratar con personas' for daily interaction.

Very common. It's used for market changes, growth, and testing new business models.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence about a change your city has experienced.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce: 'Experimentar'. (Focus on the last syllable)

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the verb: 'Mañana vamos a experimentar en el lab'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'I have never experienced such fear.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'We are experimenting with water.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Identify the tense: 'Experimentarás cosas increíbles'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a scientific experiment in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I want to experience the world.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write what you hear: '¿Has experimentado dolor?'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'experimentar con'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Experience is the mother of science.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 'No experimenté nada extraño'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'experimentar' in the conditional tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'It is important to experiment.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'El mercado experimentó volatilidad'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'We are experiencing some technical difficulties.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I like to experiment with new ideas.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'No queremos experimentar más dolor'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence in the present perfect about your life.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't experiment with my patience.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Experimentamos una caída en las ventas'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'They experienced a peaceful transition.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I have experienced many things.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Se experimentó un alivio general'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about a science lab using 'experimentar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I want to experience something new today.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Él experimentaba con el sonido'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The region experienced a process of change.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I have experienced many cultures.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: '¿Qué experimentaste en tu viaje?'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about a doctor and a patient.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I experience joy when I see you.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Experimentamos con nuevos sabores'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'We will experience many changes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'He is a very experienced teacher.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: '¿Qué quieres experimentar hoy?'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about experiencing a new culture.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Experimenting with colors is fun.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'He experimentado mucha paz aquí'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'experimentar' in a question.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'We need to experiment more.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: '¿Qué estás experimentando?'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a feeling using 'experimentar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Experimenting is learning.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'No experimentes con eso'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence in the future about a new technology.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I like to experiment in the kitchen.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Experimentó un cambio radical'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'We should experiment more often.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I have never experimented with that.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Los niños experimentan curiosidad'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'experimentar una mejoría'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I want to experience everything.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Write: 'Experimentamos con la realidad'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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