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How to Say "don't try" in Spanish

English → Spanish

no intentes

/een-TEN-tehs//inˈtentes/

Verb (conjugated form)A2Informal to Neutral
Use 'no intentes' when you are giving a direct negative command or expressing a strong wish that someone should not make an effort, often implying a futility or a need to avoid attempting something.
A determined child, wearing bright clothes, straining slightly as they push a large, colorful, round boulder up a slight incline.

Examples

No intentes abrir esa puerta, está cerrada con llave.

Don't try to open that door, it's locked.

Es crucial que intentes de nuevo, no te rindas.

It is crucial that you try again, don't give up. (Subjunctive used after an impersonal expression of necessity)

No quiero que intentes hacer eso sin supervisión.

I don't want you to try to do that without supervision. (Subjunctive used after a verb of desire/influence)

Si intentes cruzar el río, ten cuidado.

If you try to cross the river, be careful. (Subjunctive used after 'si' when expressing future possibility in some dialects, though 'intentas' is more common here)

Subjunctive Form

The form 'intentes' is the special verb ending used when the sentence expresses emotions, desires, or doubt about the action of 'trying.' It often follows the word 'que' (that).

Negative Commands

When you want to tell someone (using 'tú') not to try something, you use 'no intentes.' The negative command always uses this special verb form.

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que tú *intentas*.”

Correction: Quiero que tú *intentes*. (You must use the special form 'intentes' after verbs expressing desire or influence.)

no trates

/TRAH-tes//'tɾa.tes/

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1Neutral to Formal
Use 'no trates' when the focus is on refraining from a specific action or behavior, often in the context of asking or advising someone not to attempt something, with a slightly softer or more conditional tone than 'no intentes'.
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.

Examples

Te pido que no trates de convencerme, ya tomé mi decisión.

I ask that you don't try to convince me, I've already made my decision.

Te pido que trates de concentrarte en la clase.

I ask that you try to concentrate in class.

No trates de abrir la caja sin la llave.

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

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

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

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'.

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Saying: 'No trates hacer eso.'”

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

Choosing Between 'intentes' and 'trates'

Learners often confuse 'no intentes' and 'no trates' because both relate to not trying. The key difference is that 'intentes' is a more direct command or statement about futility, while 'trates' often appears in requests or advice, focusing on refraining from a specific action.

Related Translations

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