intentes
“intentes” means “you try” in Spanish (as part of a wish or desire (Subjunctive)).
you try, you attempt
Also: don't try
📝 In Action
Es crucial que intentes de nuevo, no te rindas.
B1It is crucial that you try again, don't give up. (Subjunctive used after an impersonal expression of necessity)
No quiero que intentes hacer eso sin supervisión.
A2I don't want you to try to do that without supervision. (Subjunctive used after a verb of desire/influence)
Si intentes cruzar el río, ten cuidado.
B2If you try to cross the river, be careful. (Subjunctive used after 'si' when expressing future possibility in some dialects, though 'intentas' is more common here)
¡No intentes abrir la caja fuerte!
A2Don't try to open the safe! (Negative command)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intentes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'intentes'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *intentare*, which means 'to stretch toward' or 'to aim at.' This root perfectly captures the modern meaning of 'aiming' or 'trying' to achieve a goal.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'intentas' exist if 'intentes' means 'you try'?
'Intentas' is the regular form for stating facts ('You try hard'). 'Intentes' is the special form used only when the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, necessity, or a negative command, reflecting uncertainty or influence rather than a simple fact.