intenta
een-TEHN-tah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mi hermano siempre intenta ser positivo.
A2My brother always tries to be positive.
¿Usted intenta contactar a la oficina principal?
B1Are you (formal) trying to contact the main office?
Si no funciona, intenta de nuevo mañana.
A2If it doesn't work, try again tomorrow.
¡Intenta esto! Está delicioso.
A1Try this! It's delicious.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Roles of 'Intenta'
'Intenta' can be a statement about someone else ('She tries') or a direct command telling someone what to do ('Try!'). The context usually makes it clear which one is being used.
Using the Infinitive
When 'intenta' is followed by another verb, that second verb almost always stays in its basic, '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form (the infinitive). Example: 'Intenta leer' (Try to read).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'to'
Mistake: "Él intenta a estudiar. (Using 'a' after intenta)"
Correction: Él intenta estudiar. ('Intentar' does not need a small linking word like 'a' when it leads directly into another action.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Simple Command
When encouraging a friend, using '¡Intenta!' is a very quick and effective way to say 'Go for it!' or 'Give it a shot!'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: intenta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'intenta' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'intenta' interchangeable with 'prueba'?
Yes, often they are. Both mean 'try.' 'Intenta' (from intentar) focuses slightly more on the effort or attempt, while 'prueba' (from probar) often refers to testing something (like food or equipment) or giving something a simple test run.
How do I say 'Don't try' using the informal command?
You must use the negative imperative form: '¡No intentes!' This requires the special verb form ('intentes') instead of 'intenta'.