What does "a prueba de" mean?
The phrase "a prueba de" translates to "-proof" or "resistant to." It is used to describe things that are built to withstand a specific element, error, or force. In technical and everyday contexts, it is the standard way to describe durability and reliability.
15 High-Frequency Examples
1.
Este reloj es a prueba de agua.
This watch is waterproof. (presente de indicativo)
This watch is waterproof. (presente de indicativo)
2.
Antes, los coches no eran a prueba de fallos.
Before, cars were not failsafe. (imperfecto de indicativo)
Before, cars were not failsafe. (imperfecto de indicativo)
3.
Construyeron la caja fuerte a prueba de incendios.
They built the safe to be fireproof. (pretérito)
They built the safe to be fireproof. (pretérito)
4.
El nuevo software será a prueba de hackers.
The new software will be hacker-proof. (futuro)
The new software will be hacker-proof. (futuro)
5.
Yo diseñaría un plan a prueba de tontos.
I would design a foolproof plan. (potencial simple)
I would design a foolproof plan. (potencial simple)
6.
Espero que el cristal sea a prueba de balas.
I hope the glass is bulletproof. (presente de subjuntivo)
I hope the glass is bulletproof. (presente de subjuntivo)
7.
El cliente quería que el sistema fuera a prueba de errores.
The client wanted the system to be error-proof. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
The client wanted the system to be error-proof. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
8.
¿Has comprado una funda a prueba de golpes?
Have you bought a shockproof case? (perfecto de indicativo)
Have you bought a shockproof case? (perfecto de indicativo)
9.
Ya habían hecho el sótano a prueba de inundaciones.
They had already made the basement floodproof. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
They had already made the basement floodproof. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
10.
Apenas hubieron instalado la puerta a prueba de ruidos, todo cambió.
As soon as they had installed the soundproof door, everything changed. (pretérito anterior)
As soon as they had installed the soundproof door, everything changed. (pretérito anterior)
11.
Para el lunes, habremos hecho la oficina a prueba de distracciones.
By Monday, we will have made the office distraction-proof. (futuro perfecto)
By Monday, we will have made the office distraction-proof. (futuro perfecto)
12.
Habría usado pintura a prueba de óxido, pero no encontré ninguna.
I would have used rustproof paint, but I didn't find any. (potencial compuesto)
I would have used rustproof paint, but I didn't find any. (potencial compuesto)
13.
No creo que hayan fabricado una tela a prueba de manchas.
I don't think they have manufactured a stain-proof fabric. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
I don't think they have manufactured a stain-proof fabric. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
14.
Si el refugio hubiera sido a prueba de bombas, habrían sobrevivido.
If the shelter had been bombproof, they would have survived. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
If the shelter had been bombproof, they would have survived. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
15.
¡Haz que el código sea a prueba de fallos!
Make the code failsafe! (imperativo)
Make the code failsafe! (imperativo)