Spanish Phrase
Prueba tu cámara y micrófono antes.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to check that their camera and microphone are working prior to an event, such as a video call or online class. It’s a friendly, informal reminder.
When to use
Use this phrase right before a virtual meeting, a livestream, or any situation where audio‑visual equipment is required. It works well in informal or semi‑formal settings where you address the listener with ‘tú’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pruebatucámaraymicrófonoantes.
Imperativo (tú)
‘Prueba’ is the affirmative informal command of the verb ‘probar’, used when speaking to a familiar person.
Posesivo ‘tu’
‘tu’ (without accent) is the possessive adjective meaning ‘your’; note the accent‑less form distinguishes it from the pronoun ‘tú’.
Nouns with gender
‘cámara’ (feminine) and ‘micrófono’ (masculine) keep their gendered articles when used with possessives.
Adverb ‘antes’
‘antes’ means ‘before’; in this elliptical construction the preposition ‘de’ is omitted, which is common in spoken Spanish.
🗨In Conversation
¿Todo listo para la videollamada?
Everything ready for the video call?
Sí, voy a probar mi cámara y micrófono antes.
Yes, I’m going to test my camera and microphone first.
✕Common Mistakes
Pruebe tu cámara y micrófono antes.
‘Pruebe’ is the formal command; use ‘prueba’ when speaking informally.
Prueba tu cámara y micrófono antes de.
Adding ‘de’ creates a different structure (e.g., ‘antes de la reunión’). Here the adverb stands alone.
Prueba tu cama y micrófono antes.
Missing the accent on ‘cámara’; the accent is required for correct spelling and pronunciation.
↔Alternatives
Comprueba tu cámara y micrófono antes.
Check your camera and microphone first.
Asegúrate de que tu cámara y micrófono funcionen antes.
Make sure your camera and microphone work beforehand.
Verifica tu cámara y micrófono antes de la reunión.
Verify your camera and microphone before the meeting.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking workplaces, it’s customary to test video‑call equipment a few minutes before the scheduled start. Using the informal ‘tú’ form signals a relaxed, collegial atmosphere, while the formal ‘pruebe’ would be reserved for a superior or client.