intentas
/een-TEN-tas/
you try
When you make an effort, you try (intentas).
intentas(Verb)
you try
?informal second person singular
,you attempt
?informal second person singular
are you trying
?in question form
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
No Preposition Needed
Unlike English ('try to do'), Spanish does not use a small connecting word (preposition) between 'intentar' and the next verb. Just say 'intentar hacer' (to try to do).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adding 'de'
Mistake: "Intentas de estudiar."
Correction: Intentas estudiar. (You are trying to study.) The word 'de' is not needed here.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Effort
Use 'intentar' when the focus is on the effort or attempt itself, regardless of success. It emphasizes the process of trying.
When you make a plan for the future, you intend (intentas).
intentas(Verb)
you intend
?informal second person singular
,you plan
?informal second person singular
you aim to
?informal second person singular
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Focus on the Future
When 'intentas' means 'you intend,' it always points toward a future action or goal you have mentally set for yourself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Verbs
For simple intentions, many Spanish speakers prefer 'pensar' (to think/plan) or 'querer' (to want) over 'intentar' in this context, especially in Latin America.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: intentas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'intentas' in the sense of 'to try/attempt'?
📚 More Resources
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').