trataba
/trah-TAH-bah/
was treating
This image shows the continuous action of caring for someone, illustrating "was treating."
trataba(Verb)
was treating
?past continuous action of behavior
,used to treat
?past habitual action of behavior
was handling
?the way a situation or object was managed
📝 In Action
Mi jefe siempre me trataba con mucha amabilidad.
A2My boss always treated me with great kindness (used to treat).
Ella trataba la herida con cuidado para que no se infectara.
B1She was treating the wound carefully so it wouldn't get infected.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying 'Trataba'
'Trataba' is the past descriptive form (imperfect tense) for 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she), or 'usted' (formal you). It describes actions that were ongoing or happened habitually in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Imperfect vs. Preterite
Mistake: "Using 'trató' (he/she treated once) when describing a long-term habit."
Correction: Use 'trataba' when describing a repetitive action or a continuous state in the past: 'Siempre me trataba bien' (He always treated me well).
The effort shown by reaching for a goal depicts the meaning "was trying to."
trataba(Verb)
was trying to
?past attempt or effort
used to attempt
?habitual past attempt
📝 In Action
Yo trataba de entender el mapa, pero estaba muy confuso.
B1I was trying to understand the map, but it was very confusing.
Ella siempre trataba de ayudar a los animales heridos.
B1She always tried (used to try) to help injured animals.
💡 Grammar Points
The Necessary 'De'
When 'tratar' means 'to try' or 'to attempt,' it must always be followed immediately by the little word 'de' before the next action verb: 'trataba de hacer' (was trying to do).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing 'de'
Mistake: "Incorrectly saying 'Trataba entender' (I was trying understand)."
Correction: Always include 'de': 'Trataba de entender' (I was trying to understand).
⭐ Usage Tips
Past Frustrated Attempts
The imperfect tense 'trataba de' is perfect for describing attempts that failed or were interrupted: 'Trataba de dormir, pero el ruido no me dejaba.' (I was trying to sleep, but the noise wouldn't let me.)
The focus on the model ship represents the idea that the discussion "was about" that specific subject.
trataba(Verb)
was about
?referring to a subject or topic
,dealt with
?focus of a discussion or text
concerned
?regarding the central theme
📝 In Action
La reunión trataba sobre los nuevos horarios de trabajo.
B1The meeting was about the new work schedules.
El documental trataba de la vida de los pingüinos en el Polo Sur.
B2The documentary dealt with the life of penguins in the South Pole.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Sobre' or 'De'
When talking about a subject, 'tratar' is usually followed by either 'sobre' (more common) or 'de': 'El libro trataba sobre/de magia' (The book was about magic).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ser' for topic
Mistake: "Saying 'El libro era de la historia' (The book was of the history)."
Correction: Use 'tratar' to define the subject matter: 'El libro trataba de la historia' (The book dealt with history).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trataba
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'trataba' to mean 'was trying to'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'person' or 'thing' that 'trataba' refers to?
'Trataba' is the past descriptive form (imperfect tense) used for four subjects: 'Yo' (I), 'Él' (He), 'Ella' (She), and 'Usted' (Formal You). You must look at the context or the subject of the sentence to know who is doing the action.
What is the difference between 'trataba de hacer' and 'trató de hacer'?
'Trataba de hacer' (imperfect) means the attempt was ongoing, habitual, or unfinished in the past ('I was trying to do it'). 'Trató de hacer' (preterite) means the attempt happened at a specific, finished moment ('He tried to do it once').