Lael logo

ensayo means essay — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 5, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

ensayo

noun • /[en-SA-yo]/

essay

Example:

Entregué el ensayo a tiempo.

I submitted the essay on time.

🧠 What does ensayo mean?

Ensayo is a masculine noun with three primary meanings. In an academic context, it refers to an 'essay'—a written piece that analyzes or discusses a specific topic. Secondly, it means a 'rehearsal' or 'practice', commonly used for music, theater, or dance performances. Lastly, in a scientific or technical context, 'ensayo' signifies a 'trial', 'test', or 'experiment', such as a clinical trial (ensayo clínico).

📚 Extra examples

  • La profesora nos pidió un ensayo de quinientas palabras sobre el cambio climático.
    The professor asked us for a five-hundred-word essay on climate change.
  • La banda tiene un ensayo esta noche para preparar el concierto del sábado.
    The band has a rehearsal tonight to prepare for Saturday's concert.
  • El laboratorio está realizando un ensayo clínico para un nuevo medicamento.
    The laboratory is conducting a clinical trial for a new drug.

💡 Did You Know?

The noun 'ensayo' is directly related to the verb 'ensayar', which means 'to rehearse', 'to practice', or 'to try out'. This connection highlights the idea of an 'ensayo' (essay) as an attempt or trial to explore a topic in writing, or an 'ensayo' (rehearsal) as a trial run for a performance.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ensayo"

Synonyms: artículo, composición, práctica, prueba, experimento
Opposites: actuación, presentación

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'essay' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'essay' in Spanish is 'ensayo'. For other types of academic writing, one might use 'trabajo' (paper, project), 'tesis' (thesis), or 'redacción' (composition).
How do you pronounce 'ensayo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is en-SAH-yo. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'sa'.
How do you use 'ensayo' in a sentence?
Here is an example sentence: 'Tengo que entregar un ensayo sobre la historia de España para el próximo lunes.' (I have to turn in an essay about the history of Spain by next Monday.)
What is the English translation of 'ensayo'?
The primary English translation of 'ensayo' is 'essay'. However, depending on the context, it can also mean 'rehearsal' or 'trial'/'test'.
Does 'ensayo' change for gender or number?
'Ensayo' is a masculine noun. The plural form is 'ensayos'. For example, 'el ensayo' (the essay/rehearsal) becomes 'los ensayos' (the essays/rehearsals).
Is 'ensayo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'ensayo' is common, particularly in academic, artistic, and scientific contexts. Students frequently talk about writing 'ensayos', musicians have 'ensayos', and scientists conduct 'ensayos'.
Does 'ensayo' have slang or double meanings?
Beyond its main meanings (essay, rehearsal, trial), 'ensayo' does not have common slang uses. The context almost always makes the intended meaning clear.
Is 'ensayo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'ensayo' is consistent across Spain and Latin America for all its main meanings. There are no significant regional variations in its usage.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store