intentaste
“intentaste” means “you tried” in Spanish ((informal singular, completed action)).
you tried, you attempted
Also: did you try
📝 In Action
¿Intentaste abrir la caja fuerte con ese código?
A2Did you try to open the safe with that code?
Sé que intentaste hacer lo correcto, aunque no funcionó.
B1I know you tried to do the right thing, even though it didn't work.
Intentaste contactarme varias veces anoche.
B1You tried to contact me several times last night.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intentaste
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'intentaste'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *intentāre*, which meant 'to stretch out' or 'to aim at.' This root evolved in Spanish to mean directing your effort or aim toward a goal.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'intentaste' and 'intentabas'?
'Intentaste' (Preterite) is used for an effort that you completed at a specific time ('You tried once and failed'). 'Intentabas' (Imperfect) is used for an effort that was ongoing or repeated in the past ('You were trying all day').
Do I need to use the pronoun 'tú' with 'intentaste'?
No. Because the '-aste' ending clearly indicates 'tú,' the pronoun is usually left out unless you need to emphasize who did the action.