tratamos
“tratamos” means “we try” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
we try, we attempted
Also: we make an effort, we seek to
📝 In Action
Siempre tratamos de llegar a tiempo a las reuniones.
A2We always try to arrive at the meetings on time.
Ayer tratamos de arreglar el coche, pero fue imposible.
A2Yesterday we attempted to fix the car, but it was impossible.
¿Qué tratamos de lograr con este proyecto?
B1What are we trying to achieve with this project?
we treat, we deal with
Also: we handle, we address
📝 In Action
En esta clase, tratamos temas de historia y cultura.
A1In this class, we deal with topics of history and culture.
Siempre tratamos a nuestros clientes con respeto.
A1We always treat our clients with respect.
Los médicos nos tratamos unos a otros como colegas.
B2We doctors treat one another as colleagues.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tratamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tratamos' in the past tense (Preterite)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'tratar' comes from the Latin verb *tractare*, which meant 'to handle,' 'to manage,' or 'to drag.' This history explains why the Spanish word covers both the physical act of handling things and the abstract act of handling problems or trying to achieve a goal.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tratamos' the same in the Present and Past Tense?
This is common for regular -AR verbs in the 'nosotros' (we) form. In Spanish, 'we try' (Present) and 'we tried' (Preterite) look exactly the same. You must rely on the rest of the sentence (like time markers or context) to know if the action is happening now or happened in the past.
When do I need to use 'de' after 'tratamos'?
Use 'de' when 'tratamos' means 'we try/attempt' to do something, as in 'Tratamos de estudiar' (We try to study). When it means 'we treat' or 'we deal with a subject,' you do not use 'de,' as in 'Tratamos el problema' (We deal with the problem).