próba

Próba is a Polish noun with several related meanings centered on testing, trying, or performing. In everyday use, it denotes an act of attempting something or a trial designed to evaluate quality, capability, or suitability. The sense varies with context, ranging from a personal attempt to a formal test or experiment.

In the performing arts, próba commonly means a rehearsal of a production, such as a próba generalna (dress rehearsal) or próba muzyczna (music rehearsal). In scientific or technical settings, it refers to an examination or experiment, for example a próba chemiczna or próba materiałowa, where a substance or material is tested for its properties or composition.

The phrase próba ognia, literally a “trial by fire,” is used metaphorically to describe a severe test or ordeal that proves someone or something under difficult conditions. Other idiomatic uses include short or long attempts, such as długa próba or krótka próba, depending on the duration or intensity of the test or effort.

Etymologically, the noun derives from the Polish verb próbować, meaning to try or to test. It is a feminine noun, with plural próby, and forms part of many compound expressions in everyday language. Across contexts, próba remains a versatile term for evaluation, effort, and preparation.