trataba
“trataba” means “was treating” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
was treating, used to treat
Also: was handling
📝 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.
was trying to
Also: used to 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.
was about, dealt with
Also: concerned
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trataba
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'trataba' to mean 'was trying to'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *tractare*, which meant 'to handle, manage, or drag'. This explains why the Spanish word covers both physical handling (treating a patient) and mental handling (dealing with a topic or trying to do something).
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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').