Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
Trial in Spanish: Juicio
Juicio · noun · HWEE-see-oh
The English word 'trial' translates to 'juicio' in Spanish when referring to a legal proceeding. For a trial period or test, the word is 'prueba,' and for a clinical or scientific trial, 'ensayo clínico' is the standard term. Context determines which translation fits best.
HWEE-see-oh
El juicio contra el acusado comenzará el próximo lunes.
The trial against the defendant will begin next Monday.
Trial in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for trial, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| juicio | trial | HWEE-see-oh | Default, widely understood |
| prueba | trial | test, trial period, or experiment | |
| ensayo | trial | clinical trial or rehearsal | |
| proceso | trial | legal proceedings in some countries |
How Native Speakers Use Juicio
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Legal context
El abogado presentó nuevas pruebas durante el juicio.
The lawyer presented new evidence during the trial.
Courtroom language describing a legal proceeding.
Free trial
La aplicación ofrece una prueba gratuita de treinta días.
The app offers a free thirty-day trial.
Software or subscription trial period.
Clinical research
El ensayo clínico demostró la eficacia del nuevo medicamento.
The clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of the new medication.
Scientific research context.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Juicio
Using one word for all meanings
Incorrect: Descargué el juicio gratuito de la aplicación.
Correct: Descargué la prueba gratuita de la aplicación.
'Juicio' refers exclusively to legal trials or judgment. A free trial for software or a subscription is 'prueba gratuita,' not 'juicio gratuito.'
Gender confusion
Incorrect: La juicio fue muy largo.
Correct: El juicio fue muy largo.
'Juicio' is a masculine noun requiring the article 'el.' Using 'la' is incorrect and may confuse listeners.
Lock in Trial Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Juicio used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using juicio in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El juicio contra el acusado comenzará el próximo lunes. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Trial in Spanish
- How do you say 'trial' in Spanish?
- It depends on the type of trial: 'juicio' for a legal trial, 'prueba' for a test or trial period, and 'ensayo clínico' for a clinical trial. Each meaning uses a completely different Spanish word.
- What is the difference between 'juicio' and 'proceso'?
- 'Juicio' specifically refers to the trial itself—the courtroom proceedings where evidence is presented. 'Proceso' is broader and encompasses the entire legal process from arrest through sentencing, including but not limited to the trial.
- How do you say 'trial and error' in Spanish?
- The phrase translates to 'prueba y error,' maintaining the same structure as English. It is widely used in academic, technical, and everyday Spanish to describe learning through experimentation and mistakes.