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A small, friendly cartoon character standing on its tiptoes, stretching its arm high in an attempt to reach a bright red apple hanging just out of reach on a low branch.

intente

een-TEN-teh

Verb (Conjugation)B1regular ar
try?formal command,may try?expressing possibility or hope (subjunctive)
Also:attempt?formal or literary usage

Quick Reference

infinitiveintentar
gerundintentando
past Participleintentado

📝 In Action

Por favor, intente llegar a tiempo a la reunión.

A2

Please, try to arrive at the meeting on time (formal command).

No estoy seguro de que él intente hacerlo.

B1

I am not sure that he will try to do it.

Si yo intente hablar con el jefe, ¿me ayudaría?

B2

If I try to speak with the boss, would you help me?

No intente mover la mesa usted solo.

A2

Do not try to move the table by yourself (formal negative command).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • probar (to try (often used for food/clothes))
  • esforzarse (to make an effort)

Antonyms

  • rendirse (to give up)

Common Collocations

  • intente + infinitivo – try to do something
  • intente de nuevo – try again (formal)

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Command (Usted)

When you want to give a polite, formal instruction or advice to one person (usted), you use 'intente'. It means 'Try!'

The Subjunctive Mood

'Intente' is also the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after expressions of hope, doubt, or necessity, often introduced by 'que' (that). For example: 'Es necesario que él intente...'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'intente' and 'intenté'

Mistake: "Using 'intente' when you mean 'I tried' (which is 'intenté')."

Correction: 'Intenté' (with an accent) is the past tense for 'I tried'. 'Intente' is the present subjunctive or formal command.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with other verbs

The verb 'intentar' is almost always followed by the preposition 'a' in some regions, but typically by a second verb in the infinitive form (e.g., 'intente hablar', not 'intente a hablar').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: intente

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'intente' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

intentar(to try, to attempt) - verb
el intento(the attempt) - noun
la intención(the intention) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'intente' a command or a statement?

'Intente' can be both! It is the formal command form ('usted' form), meaning 'Try!' It is also the special verb form (subjunctive) used when expressing things like wishes, doubts, or non-facts about 'yo', 'él', 'ella', or 'usted'.

How do I know if I should use 'intente' or 'intenta'?

Use 'intenta' if you are speaking informally to a friend or child (tú command: 'Try!'). Use 'intente' if you are speaking formally or respectfully to an adult (usted command: 'Try!').