A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Can i try it on" in Spanish
Learn how to ask 'can I try it on' in Spanish with this essential shopping phrase, complete with pronunciation and cultural tips.
¿Me lo puedo probar?
meh loh PWEH-doh proh-BAHRneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when you are in a clothing store, boutique, or market and want permission from a store attendant to take an item to the fitting room. It works perfectly for clothes, shoes, and hats. It is the go-to expression before heading to the changing area.
Alternatives
- ¿Puedo probármelo?when you want an identical alternative that just attaches the pronouns to the end of the verb
- ¿Me puedo medir esto?better in parts of Mexico and Colombia where 'medirse' is frequently used for trying on clothes
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'tratar' instead of 'probar'
English speakers often say '¿Puedo tratarlo?', but 'tratar' means to attempt or treat, whereas 'probarse' is strictly used for trying on clothing or testing food.
Forgetting the reflexive 'me'
Saying '¿Puedo probarlo?' sounds like you want to test a machine or a product's functionality rather than put clothes on your own body.
A small cultural note
In most Latin American countries, it is customary to ask an attendant before taking items into a fitting room, as they will often count your items or open a locked door for you.
Frequently asked
how do you ask where the fitting rooms are in spanish
You can ask '¿Dónde están los probadores?' or '¿Dónde queda el vestidor?' to find the changing area. Both terms are widely understood across Latin America.
do you use probar or medir for trying on shoes
You can use both, but 'probarse los zapatos' is universally understood. In countries like Colombia and Mexico, 'medirse los zapatos' is also incredibly common.
what is the difference between probar and probarse
Use 'probar' when you are testing an object like a car or tasting food. Add the reflexive pronoun to make it 'probarse' when you are putting clothing on your own body.
