Inklingo

How to Say "attempt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “attempt” is “intento” — use 'intento' for the general act of trying to do something, especially when referring to a specific instance of trying.

English → Spanish

intento

in-TEN-tohinˈtento

nounA2general
Use 'intento' for the general act of trying to do something, especially when referring to a specific instance of trying.
A determined brown bear cub making an attempt to climb a steep, grassy hill, showing physical effort.

Examples

Hice un intento por abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.

I made an attempt to open the door, but it was locked.

Después de varios intentos, finalmente lo logré.

After several attempts, I finally managed it.

Hizo un intento de llamar, pero nadie contestó.

He made an attempt to call, but nobody answered.

Vale la pena hacer el intento.

It's worth making the attempt / It's worth a try.

It's a Thing, Not an Action

Think of 'intento' as a 'thing' – specifically, 'an attempt'. Because it's a noun, you'll often see it with words like 'un' (a), 'el' (the), or 'varios' (several).

Paired with 'Hacer'

In Spanish, you don't 'give' a try, you 'make' one. The most common partner verb for 'intento' is 'hacer' (to make). For example, 'hacer un intento'.

Confusing it with the Verb

Mistake: “Hizo intento de abrir la puerta.”

Correction: Hizo un intento de abrir la puerta. (He made an attempt to open the door.) Since 'intento' here is a 'thing' (a noun), it needs an article like 'un' before it.

traten

TRAH-tehnˈtɾaten

verbA2general
Use 'traten' as a command (ustedes form) or subjunctive form meaning 'try' or 'make an effort' to do something.
A small child reaching up high to try and grab a red apple from a kitchen counter.

Examples

Por favor, traten de ser puntuales.

Please, try to be punctual.

Por favor, traten de llegar a tiempo.

Please, try to arrive on time.

Espero que traten de terminar la tarea hoy.

I hope they try to finish the homework today.

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.

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.

intente

een-TEN-tehinˈtente

verbB1formal/literary
Use 'intente' as a formal command (usted form) or subjunctive form of 'intentar' meaning 'to try'.
A small, friendly cartoon character standing on its tiptoes, stretching its arm high in an attempt to reach a bright red apple hanging just out of reach on a low branch.

Examples

Intente recordar la contraseña.

Try to remember the password.

Por favor, intente llegar a tiempo a la reunión.

Please, try to arrive at the meeting on time (formal command).

No estoy seguro de que él intente hacerlo.

I am not sure that he will try to do it.

Si yo intente hablar con el jefe, ¿me ayudaría?

If I try to speak with the boss, would you help me?

Formal Command (Usted)

When you want to give a polite, formal instruction or advice to one person (usted), you use 'intente'. It means 'Try!'

The Subjunctive Mood

'Intente' is also the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after expressions of hope, doubt, or necessity, often introduced by 'que' (that). For example: 'Es necesario que él intente...'

Confusing 'intente' and 'intenté'

Mistake: “Using 'intente' when you mean 'I tried' (which is 'intenté').”

Correction: 'Intenté' (with an accent) is the past tense for 'I tried'. 'Intente' is the present subjunctive or formal command.

trate

TRAY-tehˈtɾate

verbB1formal
Use 'trate' as a formal command (usted form) or subjunctive form of 'tratar' meaning 'to try' or 'to attempt'.
A small, determined squirrel stretching its front paws toward a distant tree branch, focusing intently on making a difficult jump.

Examples

Espero que usted trate de entender mi punto de vista.

I hope that you try to understand my point of view.

Espero que yo trate de hablar con ella mañana.

I hope that I try to speak with her tomorrow.

No creo que él trate de arreglarlo solo.

I don't believe he tries to fix it alone.

Trate de concentrarse en la tarea, por favor.

Please, try to concentrate on the assignment. (Formal command)

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).

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.')

atentado

ah-ten-TAH-dohatenˈtaðo

nounB1specific context
Use 'atentado' specifically for a violent attempt, such as an attack or an attempt on someone's life.
A smoking crater in the middle of a city street with police tape surrounding the area.

Examples

El atentado terrorista causó pánico en la ciudad.

The terrorist attack caused panic in the city.

La policía detuvo a los responsables del atentado.

The police arrested those responsible for the attack.

Hubo un atentado fallido contra el embajador.

There was a failed attempt on the ambassador's life.

El país conmemora a las víctimas del atentado.

The country commemorates the victims of the attack.

Using 'Against'

When saying who or what was attacked, always use the word 'contra' (against). For example: 'un atentado contra el presidente'.

Always Masculine

Even if the event was a tragedy, the word 'atentado' is always masculine: 'el atentado' or 'un atentado'.

Atentado vs. Intento

Mistake: “Yo hice un atentado de cocinar.”

Correction: Yo hice un intento de cocinar. 'Atentado' is for crimes or serious offenses; 'intento' is for a regular try or attempt at a task.

Noun vs. Verb 'Attempt'

Learners often confuse the noun 'intento' (an attempt) with verb forms like 'traten' or 'intente' (to try). Remember that 'intento' is the act of trying, while 'traten' and 'intente' are commands or requests to perform the action of trying.

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