trataron
/tra-TA-ron/
they/you all tried
The group tried to move the heavy stone together.
trataron(verb)
they/you all tried
?attempting to do an action
they/you all attempted
?formal effort
📝 In Action
Ellos trataron de abrir la ventana pero estaba atascada.
A2They tried to open the window but it was stuck.
Ustedes trataron de llegar a tiempo.
A2You all tried to arrive on time.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' for Actions
When you want to say they tried 'to do' something, you must put the word 'de' after trataron (e.g., 'trataron de comer').
The Finished Past
This specific form (the preterite) is used for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Ellos trataron correr."
Correction: Ellos trataron de correr. In Spanish, you need 'de' between 'tried' and the next action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Who are you talking about?
Remember that 'trataron' can refer to a group of people (they) or a group of people you are talking to (you all/ustedes).
They treated the injury with care and kindness.
trataron(verb)
they/you all treated
?behavior toward someone or medical care
they/you all dealt with
?addressing a topic or person
📝 In Action
Los enfermeros trataron al paciente con mucho cuidado.
B1The nurses treated the patient with great care.
Mis tíos me trataron muy bien durante el viaje.
A2My aunt and uncle treated me very well during the trip.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Interaction
Unlike the meaning 'to try,' when you mean 'to treat someone,' you don't use 'de.' You usually use the 'personal a' if the person being treated is a specific human (e.g., 'trataron a María').
⭐ Usage Tips
Medical vs. Social
This word works for both being nice to someone AND for a doctor giving medicine to a patient.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trataron
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'They tried to study'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'trataron' mean 'they try' or 'they tried'?
It means 'they tried.' It describes a completed action in the past.
Can I use 'trataron' for 'you all'?
Yes! In Spain, you would use 'tratasteis' for 'you all' (friends), but in Latin America, 'trataron' is used for both 'they' and 'you all' (ustedes).