intentar
een-tehn-TAR
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Voy a intentar estudiar hoy por la noche.
A1I am going to try to study tonight.
¿Por qué no intentamos hablar con el jefe?
A2Why don't we attempt (or try) speaking with the boss?
Intentaron abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.
B1They tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Si no lo intentas, nunca sabrás si puedes lograrlo.
B2If you don't try it, you will never know if you can achieve it.
💡 Grammar Points
Connecting to Actions
When you use 'intentar' to talk about trying to do something, you follow it directly with the second verb in its base form (infinitive), without needing any small connecting words like 'a' or 'de'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'de' or 'a' incorrectly
Mistake: "Intento de correr."
Correction: Intento correr. (You do not use 'de' or 'a' between 'intentar' and the next verb.)
⭐ Usage Tips
For Trying Clothes/Food
Remember that 'intentar' is for trying to perform an action. If you are trying on clothing, tasting food, or testing an object, you should use the verb 'probar' instead.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: intentar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'intentar' to say 'I tried to call you'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'intentar' y 'probar'?
'Intentar' means to make an effort toward completing an action (I tried to finish my homework). 'Probar' means to test, sample, or try on (I tried the food; I tried on the shirt).