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trates

/TRAH-tes/

you treat

A child carefully wrapping a small bandage around the leg of their teddy bear, showing an act of care or treatment.

The image shows someone giving care, illustrating the meaning "you treat."

trates(Verb (Conjugated Form))

A2regular ar

you treat

?

present subjunctive

,

you deal with

?

present subjunctive

Also:

don't treat

?

negative command (imperative)

,

you handle

?

present subjunctive

📝 In Action

Espero que trates a mi hermana con respeto.

A2

I hope you treat my sister with respect.

No trates este asunto como si no fuera importante.

B1

Don't treat this matter as if it weren't important.

Quiero que trates de arreglarlo tú mismo.

A2

I want you to try to fix it yourself. (Note: This is the 'try' meaning, but the verb form is the same.)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tratar bien – to treat well
  • tratar con cuidado – to handle with care

💡 Grammar Points

When to use 'trates'

This form is used when you are giving a negative command ('No trates...') or when you are talking about wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessity directed at the person you call 'tú' ('Espero que trates...').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: "Using 'tratas' (present action) instead of 'trates' when expressing a hope or necessity: 'Quiero que tú tratas bien a todos.'"

Correction: You must use 'trates' after verbs of desire: 'Quiero que tú trates bien a todos.' (I want you to treat everyone well.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Negative Command Pattern

For 'tú' commands, the negative ('Don't...') always uses the same form as the present subjunctive. So, 'No trates' is the only way to say 'Don't treat/handle'.

A small figure standing on their tiptoes, stretching their hand high with effort to reach a brightly colored apple hanging from a low tree branch.

This illustration of a determined effort clearly visualizes the meaning "you try."

trates(Verb (Conjugated Form))

B1regular ar

you try

?

when followed by 'de' + another verb (present subjunctive)

Also:

you attempt

?

present subjunctive

,

don't try

?

negative command (imperative)

📝 In Action

Te pido que trates de concentrarte en la clase.

B1

I ask that you try to concentrate in class.

No trates de abrir la caja sin la llave.

B1

Don't try to open the box without the key.

Si quieres un ascenso, es mejor que trates de ser más proactivo.

B2

If you want a raise, it's better that you try to be more proactive.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tratar de hacer algo – to try to do something

💡 Grammar Points

The Necessary 'de'

When 'trates' means 'you try,' it must be followed by the word 'de' before the next action: 'trates de salir' (you try to leave). If you forget 'de', it means 'you treat/deal with'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: "Saying: 'No trates hacer eso.'"

Correction: Say: 'No trates de hacer eso.' (Don't try to do that.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If 'trates' is followed by 'de' and a verb, it almost always means 'try.' If it's followed by a person or an object, it usually means 'treat' or 'deal with.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: trates

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'trates' to mean 'try'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'trates' sound like an instruction or request?

'Trates' is the 'tú' form of the present subjunctive. This special verb form is used when talking about things that are uncertain, desired, or necessary—like giving a command, expressing a wish, or stating a necessity. It is the core form for all negative 'tú' commands ('No trates').

Is 'trates' the only way to say 'you treat'?

No. If you are talking about a definite, ongoing action, you use the indicative form, 'tú tratas' (You treat your friends well). If you are talking about a wish, doubt, or command, you use 'tú trates' (I hope you treat...). They serve different purposes.