Spanish word

ensayo

Pronunciation

IPA/enˈsaʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounessay

Example

Escribí un ensayo sobre mi ciudad.

I wrote an essay about my city.

Illustration for ensayo (essay)

More examples

Revisé mi ensayo antes de entregarlo.

I revised my essay before handing it in.

Core concept

Brief reflective prose on a single topic.

Common phrases

  • revisar un ensayo

    revise an essay

  • escribir un ensayo breve

    write a short essay

  • publicar un ensayo

    publish an essay

Similar words

texto: General written material in prose, like a passage, document, or paragraph.
reseña: Short summary describing a work or event and offering a brief evaluation.
artículo: Detailed nonfiction piece in a newspaper or magazine about a specific topic.
comentario: Concise opinion or explanation expressing a viewpoint on a topic.

Definition in Spanish

Texto breve en prosa en el que el autor expone sus ideas o reflexiones personales sobre un tema.

Word origin

Formed from ensayar 'to try' and ultimately from Old French essai 'trial', the word marks a 'try' that became a short written exploration of ideas.

Usage tips

  • For composing a paper Spanish normally uses escribir un ensayo, since hacer un ensayo often refers to rehearsing or making an attempt.

Other meanings

  • rehearsalnoun
  • attemptnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word