traten
/TRAH-tehn/
try
A child trying to reach a piece of fruit.
traten(verb)
try
?when followed by 'de' and another action
attempt
?to make an effort to do something
📝 In Action
Por favor, traten de llegar a tiempo.
A2Please, try to arrive on time.
Espero que traten de terminar la tarea hoy.
B1I hope they try to finish the homework today.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Traten' as a Command
Use 'traten' when you are telling a group of people to do something directly (like 'You all, try!').
The 'De' Connection
When 'traten' means 'try to do something,' you must always put the word 'de' right after it before the next action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'De'
Mistake: "Traten comer más sano."
Correction: Traten DE comer más sano. In Spanish, you always need the 'de' to link 'tratar' to the next action.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use it
Use this form when you want to express a wish or a polite order to more than one person.
Treating a pet with kindness and care.
traten(verb)
treat
?how to behave toward people or objects
handle
?managing a situation or physical object
📝 In Action
Espero que traten bien a la nueva empleada.
B1I hope they treat the new employee well.
No traten los libros con descuido.
B1Don't handle the books carelessly.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Wishes
We use 'traten' (the special form) after words like 'espero que' (I hope that) to show what we want others to do.
⭐ Usage Tips
Social behavior
This is the go-to word for describing how people should interact with one another in a group setting.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: traten
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'traten' as a command to try something?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tratan' and 'traten'?
'Tratan' is a simple statement of fact (They try), while 'traten' is used for commands or when expressing wishes (Try! / I hope you all try).
Does 'traten' always need 'de'?
Only when you mean 'try to [do something]'. If you mean 'treat [someone]', you don't use 'de'.