intentas
“intentas” means “you try” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
you try, you attempt
Also: are you trying
📝 In Action
¿Qué **intentas** cocinar hoy?
A1What are you trying to cook today?
Si **intentas** subir sin ayuda, te caerás.
A2If you try to climb without help, you will fall.
**Intentas** resolver el problema, pero no es fácil.
B1You are attempting to solve the problem, but it's not easy.
you intend, you plan
Also: you aim to
📝 In Action
¿**Intentas** terminar la novela antes de Navidad?
B1Do you intend to finish the novel before Christmas?
Si **intentas** hacer una oferta, debe ser muy alta.
B2If you plan to make an offer, it must be very high.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intentas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'intentas' in the sense of 'to try/attempt'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *intentāre*, which meant 'to stretch toward' or 'to aim at.' This connection shows how the word evolved from physical aiming to mental aiming (planning or attempting a goal).
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'intentas' used instead of 'intentas de'?
The verb 'intentar' (to try) is one of the verbs that connects directly to the next verb without needing a preposition like 'a' or 'de'. Think of it as a single unit: 'Intentas hacer' (You try to do).
How is 'intentas' different from 'pruebas'?
'Intentas' (from *intentar*) means 'you try' in the sense of making an effort or attempting an action ('You try to run faster'). 'Pruebas' (from *probar*) usually means 'you try' in the sense of testing something, like sampling food or trying on clothes ('You try the soup').