traté
/trah-TAY/
I tried
This image shows the effort involved when someone says, 'I tried.'
traté(Verb)
I tried
?to attempt an action
I attempted
?more formal way to say 'I tried'
📝 In Action
Traté de abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.
A1I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Traté de explicarle el problema, pero no me escuchó.
A2I tried to explain the problem to him, but he didn't listen to me.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' after 'tratar'
When 'tratar' means 'to try' or 'to attempt,' it must be followed by the word 'de' before the next verb (the infinitive). Example: 'Traté de correr' (I tried to run).
Preterite Tense
'Traté' is the simple past form (preterite). It is used for actions that started and finished at a specific point in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'de'
Mistake: "Traté correr rápido."
Correction: Traté de correr rápido. (The 'de' is essential when expressing an attempt.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Success/Failure
You can follow up 'traté' with 'pero no pude' (but I couldn't) or 'y lo logré' (and I achieved it) to complete the story.
When used to describe behavior toward others, 'I treated' can mean acting kindly, like sharing flowers.
traté(Verb)
I treated
?how one behaved toward a person
I dealt with
?managed or handled a situation
,I addressed
?a topic or issue
📝 In Action
Traté a la gente nueva con mucha amabilidad.
A2I treated the new people with great kindness.
Traté el tema con mi abogado la semana pasada.
B1I dealt with the topic with my lawyer last week.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for people
When 'tratar' means 'to treat' a person, you often need the personal 'a' before the person's name or title. Example: 'Traté a mi vecino bien' (I treated my neighbor well).
No Preposition for Issues
When 'tratar' means 'to deal with' or 'to address' a non-person topic (like a problem or issue), you generally don't use a preposition. Example: 'Traté el tema' (I dealt with the topic).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing meanings
Mistake: "Traté de mi colega con amabilidad. (Mixing 'try' structure with 'treat' meaning)"
Correction: Traté a mi colega con amabilidad. (Use 'a' when treating a person, not 'de'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
If you want to say 'I treated him like a friend,' use 'como': 'Lo traté como a un amigo'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: traté
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'traté' to mean 'I tried to do something'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'traté' means 'I tried' or 'I treated'?
Look at the word that follows. If it's 'de' followed by another verb (e.g., 'traté de correr'), it means 'I tried.' If it is a person or a topic (e.g., 'traté a mi hermano'), it means 'I treated' or 'I dealt with.'
Is 'traté' used for completed or ongoing actions in the past?
'Traté' is the simple past (preterite) form, meaning the action was completed and finished at a specific time: 'I tried once and stopped,' or 'I treated him that way last week.'