trate
/TRAY-teh/
try (that I/he/she/it try)
Use 'trate' when expressing desire or necessity that someone try or attempt something.
trate(Verb)
try (that I/he/she/it try)
?When expressing desire, doubt, or necessity about an attempt.
attempt
?As a formal command (Usted) or subjunctive form.
📝 In Action
Espero que yo trate de hablar con ella mañana.
B1I hope that I try to speak with her tomorrow.
No creo que él trate de arreglarlo solo.
B1I don't believe he tries to fix it alone.
Trate de concentrarse en la tarea, por favor.
A2Please, try to concentrate on the assignment. (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Trigger
You use 'trate' (the special Subjunctive form) when the main part of the sentence expresses an emotion, doubt, or necessity about the attempting action, especially after phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'no creo que' (I don’t believe that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Voy a tratar solucionar el problema."
Correction: Voy a tratar **de** solucionar el problema. ('Tratar' needs the little word 'de' before the next action when it means 'to try to do something.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Command
The formal command for 'you' (Usted) is 'trate.' It’s a very polite way to ask someone to make an effort: 'Trate de no preocuparse' (Try not to worry).
This meaning of 'trate' refers to how someone treats another person or animal.
trate(Verb)
treat
?Referring to how one behaves toward a person or animal.
handle
?Referring to how one handles a situation or subject.
📝 In Action
Exijo que me trate con más respeto.
B1I demand that he/she treat me with more respect.
Trate a sus clientes como si fueran familia.
A2Treat your clients as if they were family. (Formal command)
Ella quiere que el doctor trate su herida con cuidado.
A2She wants the doctor to treat her wound carefully.
💡 Grammar Points
Treating People
When 'tratar' means 'to treat someone,' you almost always need the little word 'a' before the person who is receiving the treatment: 'Trate bien a su jefe' (Treat your boss well).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands are Subjunctive
Remember that the formal command form for 'Usted' (Trate) is identical to the 'yo' and 'él/ella' forms of the Present Subjunctive. This is a common pattern for all regular Spanish verbs.
When discussing the subject matter of a narrative, 'trate' indicates what the book or film is about.
trate(Verb)
be about
?Referring to the subject matter of a book, film, or conversation.
deal with
?Referring to the topic or issue covered.
📝 In Action
Recomiendo una película que trate de historia antigua.
B2I recommend a movie that is about ancient history.
Ella duda que el informe trate de ese tema específico.
C1She doubts that the report deals with that specific topic.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Use
When 'tratar' means 'to be about,' it is often used impersonally (the subject is 'it' or 'el libro'), and usually requires the preposition 'de' or 'sobre': 'El libro trata de la guerra.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trate
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'trate' as a formal command (Usted)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'trate' a command or a statement?
'Trate' can be both! It is the formal command form ('Usted,' meaning 'you, formally') for 'tratar,' so it means 'you treat/try.' It is also the special form (subjunctive) used when talking about 'I,' 'he,' 'she,' or 'it' in contexts of doubt, emotion, or desire.
How do I know if 'trate' means 'to try' or 'to treat'?
Look at the little words around it. If it is followed by 'de' + another action (e.g., 'trate de estudiar'), it means 'to try.' If it is followed by the word 'a' and a person (e.g., 'trate a su personal'), it means 'to treat' or 'to deal with.'