probarvstratar
/proh-BAR/
/trah-TAR/
💡 Quick Rule
Probar = to test or taste. Tratar = to attempt or treat.
You 'probar' a product, but you 'tratar' a task.
- The key construction for 'to try to do something' is always 'tratar de + verb'.
- Both can be translated as 'try', but 'probar' is for things and 'tratar' is for actions.
- 'Tratar' also has a common, separate meaning: 'to treat' (a person, a topic, an illness).
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | probar | tratar | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The verb 'to try' | Prueba esta salsa. | Trata de no comer tanto. | Probar is for testing/sampling a *thing*. Tratar de is for attempting an *action*. |
| New experiences | Quiero probar el buceo. | Trataré de no tener miedo. | You 'probar' the activity itself (test it out). You 'tratar de' to manage your actions or feelings during it. |
| Problem-solving | Prueba a apagarlo y encenderlo. | Trata de encontrar una solución. | Probar suggests a specific test or method. Tratar de refers to the general effort to solve the problem. |
✅ When to Use "probar" / tratar
probar
To try (out), to taste, to test, to prove
/proh-BAR/
Tasting food or drink
¿Quieres probar mi paella?
Do you want to taste my paella?
Trying on clothes or shoes
Me voy a probar estos zapatos.
I'm going to try on these shoes.
Testing something to see if it works
Prueba si la televisión funciona ahora.
Test if the television works now.
Proving a point or fact
Tengo que probar que digo la verdad.
I have to prove that I'm telling the truth.
tratar
To try (to do something), to attempt, to treat
/trah-TAR/
Attempting an action (always with 'de')
Voy a tratar de llegar a tiempo.
I'm going to try to arrive on time.
Treating a person
Debes tratar a los demás con respeto.
You should treat others with respect.
Dealing with a topic or subject (with 'de' or 'sobre')
La película trata sobre la amistad.
The movie is about friendship.
Treating an illness or condition
El doctor trata la infección con antibióticos.
The doctor treats the infection with antibiotics.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "probar":
Prueba con un paño para agarrar mejor la tapa.
Try using a cloth to get a better grip on the lid.
With "tratar":
Trata de abrir el frasco con todas tus fuerzas.
Try to open the jar with all your strength.
The Difference: Probar suggests testing a specific method or tool. Tratar de describes the general effort or attempt to achieve the goal.
With "probar":
Tienes que probar diferentes técnicas de pintura.
You have to try (test out) different painting techniques.
With "tratar":
Trata de pintar una línea recta.
Try to paint a straight line.
The Difference: Use 'probar' when you're testing or sampling things (the techniques). Use 'tratar de' when you're attempting to perform a specific action (painting the line).
🎨 Visual Comparison
Probar is for testing or tasting a THING. Tratar is for attempting an ACTION.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Voy a probar de hablar con él.
Voy a tratar de hablar con él.
When you 'try TO DO' an action (like speaking), you must use 'tratar de'.
¿Quieres tratar este queso?
¿Quieres probar este queso?
For tasting food, always use 'probar'. 'Tratar este queso' would sound very strange, like you want to give the cheese medical treatment.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Probar vs Tratar
Question 1 of 2
Which verb completes the sentence? 'Voy a ___ de llamarte más tarde.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'probar de' like I use 'tratar de'?
No, this is a very common mistake. The construction 'probar de + verb' is not used in modern Spanish for 'to try to do something'. For attempting an action, always use 'tratar de + verb'.
What if I'm 'trying' a new restaurant?
Great question! You would use 'probar'. You can say, 'Vamos a probar ese restaurante nuevo' (Let's try that new restaurant). You are 'testing it out' or 'sampling' what it has to offer, which fits the meaning of 'probar'.