intentes
een-TEN-tehs
Quick Reference
📝 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)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Form
The form 'intentes' is the special verb ending used when the sentence expresses emotions, desires, or doubt about the action of 'trying.' It often follows the word 'que' (that).
Negative Commands
When you want to tell someone (using 'tú') not to try something, you use 'no intentes.' The negative command always uses this special verb form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: "Quiero que tú *intentas*."
Correction: Quiero que tú *intentes*. (You must use the special form 'intentes' after verbs expressing desire or influence.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'WEIRDO'
The special verb form 'intentes' is required after verbs expressing Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Requests, Doubt, or 'Ojalá' (WEIRDO). If you see one of these, use 'intentes'!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: intentes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'intentes'?
📚 More Resources
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.