What is the difference between "intenté", "traté" in Spanish?

The English phrase 'I attempted' can be translated into Spanish in a couple of ways, depending on the nuance you want to convey. While both options refer to trying something, they differ slightly in formality and common usage.

How to Say "i attempted" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i attempted” is “intenté” — use this word for the past action of trying to do something, especially when describing a specific effort or task you undertook.

intenté🔊A2

Use this word for the past action of trying to do something, especially when describing a specific effort or task you undertook.

Learn more →

traté🔊A1

Use this word as a more formal or general way to express that you tried to do something, often implying an effort or a process.

Learn more →

English → Spanish

intenté

een-ten-TAYin.tenˈte

VerbA2Informal

Use this word for the past action of trying to do something, especially when describing a specific effort or task you undertook.

A small, determined child character straining with effort while pulling a thick rope attached to a large, immovable colorful block.

Examples

Intenté abrir la caja, pero estaba muy apretada.

I tried to open the box, but it was very tight.

Intenté llamarte toda la tarde, pero tu teléfono estaba apagado.

I tried to call you all afternoon, but your phone was off.

Intenté convencerlo, pero fue imposible.

I attempted to convince him, but it was impossible.

¿Viste el pastel? ¡Yo intenté hacerlo!

Did you see the cake? I tried to make it!

The 'Yo' Form Marker

The accent mark on the final 'e' in 'intenté' is crucial! It tells you two things: 1) The speaker is 'yo' (I), and 2) The action happened and finished in the past.

Preterite vs. Imperfect

'Intenté' (preterite) means the attempt was a single, completed event. If you want to say 'I was trying' or 'I used to try repeatedly,' you would use the imperfect tense: 'intentaba'.

Missing the Accent

Mistake: “Intenté (I tried) vs. Intente (He/She/You formal tries/Subjunctive)”

Correction: Always include the accent mark (´) on the 'é' for the 'yo' form of AR verbs in the past tense. This is the only way to distinguish 'I tried' from other verb forms.

See full entry for “intenté” →

traté

trah-TAYtɾaˈte

VerbA1Formal

Use this word as a more formal or general way to express that you tried to do something, often implying an effort or a process.

A young child with a determined expression straining to push a very large, colorful wooden block across a floor, illustrating effort and trying.

Examples

Traté de comunicarme con ellos por correo electrónico.

I tried to communicate with them by email.

Traté de abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.

I tried to open the door, but it was locked.

Traté de explicarle el problema, pero no me escuchó.

I tried to explain the problem to him, but he didn't listen to me.

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.

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Traté correr rápido.”

Correction: Traté de correr rápido. (The 'de' is essential when expressing an attempt.)

See full entry for “traté” →

Intenté vs. Traté

Learners often confuse 'intenté' and 'traté' because both mean 'I tried'. Remember that 'intenté' is generally more common for specific tasks, while 'traté' can sound a bit more formal or imply a broader effort.

Related Translations

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