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How to Say "attempt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

traten

/TRAH-tehn//ˈtɾaten/

verbA2
Use this when you are giving a plural command (ustedes) or referring to 'they' making an effort, meaning 'try 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 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.

intento

/in-TEN-toh//inˈtento/

nounA2
Use this when referring to 'an attempt' as a noun, meaning the act or an instance of trying.
A determined brown bear cub making an attempt to climb a steep, grassy hill, showing physical effort.

Examples

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.

intente

een-TEN-teh/inˈtente/

verbB1formal
Use this as a formal singular command (usted) meaning 'try to do something', or in a literary/formal context.
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

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-teh/ˈtɾate/

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

Examples

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.')

Verb vs. Noun 'Attempt'

The most common confusion is between using the noun 'intento' (an attempt) and the verb forms like 'intente' or 'trate' (to try). Remember, if you are talking about the *action* of trying, use a verb; if you are talking about *one instance* of trying, use the noun 'intento'.

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