When you see 'la trata', think 'illegal trade'. This word almost always refers to something very serious and negative, like human trafficking or the slave trade. It's not used for normal, legal business.

A Very Specific and Serious Word

Used mainly in serious contexts like news, law, and history to talk about illegal trafficking.

Trying Food vs. Trying to Do Something

Pay close attention to what comes after 'trata de'. If it's another action (like 'correr', to run), it means 'tries to'. If it's a topic (like 'la guerra', the war), it means 'is about'.

Two Meanings with 'de'

You'll often hear 'se trata de...'. This is a super useful phrase that means 'it's about...' or 'it's a matter of...'. For example, 'Se trata de ser honesto' means 'It's a matter of being honest'.

Spot the 'se'

Because 'trata' is the command form for 'tú' (you, informal), you'll hear it a lot. '¡Trata de calmarte!' means 'Try to calm down!'

Giving Commands

Extremely common. This is a form of the verb 'tratar', which has many important uses.

Learn the two main uses of 'trata' in Spanish. Understand 'la trata' as 'trafficking' and 'trata' as a form of the common verb 'tratar' (to treat, to try). See examples, full conjugations, and common mistakes.

tratar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations