Inklingo

How to Say "i try" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intento

/in-TEN-toh//inˈtento/

VerbA1General
Use 'intento' when you want to express your own direct effort or attempt at something.
A focused cartoon human character standing on one foot on a log, arms outstretched, intensely trying to maintain balance.

Examples

Intento hablar español todos los días.

I try to speak Spanish every day.

No sé si funcionará, pero lo intento.

I don't know if it will work, but I'm trying.

Intento no pensar en el problema.

I try not to think about the problem.

How to Use It

This is the 'I' form of the verb 'intentar'. To say you try to do something, just follow 'intento' with the base form of another verb. For example, 'Intento correr' (I try to run).

Adding Extra Words

Mistake: “Intento a leer el libro.”

Correction: Intento leer el libro. Unlike English 'try to', the Spanish verb 'intentar' connects directly to the next verb. No 'a' or 'de' is needed.

trato

/TRAH-toh//ˈtɾa.to/

VerbA1General
Use 'trato' (from the verb 'tratar de') to indicate an attempt to do something, often implying a process or a sustained effort.
A small, determined character stretching and reaching on their tiptoes to successfully touch a bright red apple hanging from a tree branch.

Examples

Yo trato de aprender algo nuevo cada día.

I try to learn something new every day.

Siempre trato a mis amigos con respeto.

I always treat my friends with respect.

Lo trato de 'usted' porque es mi jefe.

I address him with the formal 'you' because he is my boss.

How to Say 'To Try To'

This is a super useful structure: 'tratar de' + the basic form of a verb (like 'hablar', 'comer', 'vivir'). For example, 'Trato de comer más verduras' means 'I try to eat more vegetables.'

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Yo trato aprender español.”

Correction: Yo trato de aprender español. When you mean 'to try to do something', you almost always need that little word 'de' after 'tratar'.

Intento vs. Trato de

The most common mistake is using 'intento' when 'trato de' is more natural, or vice versa. While both express effort, 'intento' focuses on the act of trying itself, whereas 'trato de' often implies a more ongoing or deliberate process of attempting.

Related Translations

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