Inklingo

How to Say "they handle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tratan

TRAH-tahn/ˈtɾa.tan/

verbA2general
Use 'tratan' when referring to how someone manages or deals with people or situations in a social or professional context, implying a manner of interaction.
Two children gently help a third child stand up after a fall, illustrating kind treatment.

Examples

Ellos tratan muy bien a todos los clientes.

They treat all the clients very well.

Ustedes tratan los problemas con mucha calma.

You (formal plural) handle the problems very calmly.

Mis vecinos siempre me tratan con amabilidad.

My neighbors always treat me with kindness.

Identifying the Speaker

Since 'tratan' ends in -an, the person doing the action is always plural: 'ellos' (they), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).

Confusing 'Tratar' and 'Intentar'

Mistake: “Using 'tratan' alone when you mean 'they try to do something.'”

Correction: When meaning 'try,' you must add 'de' before the next verb: 'Tratan de estudiar' (They try to study).

llevan

/yeh-VAHN//ʝeˈβan/

verbB1general
Choose 'llevan' when describing how people manage or are in charge of a project, task, or a specific situation, often implying responsibility and execution.
Two project leaders standing confidently at the front of a room, pointing towards a detailed architectural model of a town square while others observe.

Examples

Los ejecutivos llevan el proyecto con mucha calma.

The executives manage the project very calmly.

Dicen que llevan una relación a distancia.

They say they are handling a long-distance relationship.

Estos temas se llevan en una reunión aparte.

These topics are handled in a separate meeting.

Abstract Usage

Think of this meaning as 'carrying' the weight or responsibility of a task, project, or relationship.

tocan

toh-kahn/ˈtokan/

verbA1general
Use 'tocan' exclusively when referring to the physical act of touching an object with one's hands or body.
Several hands reaching out to touch a large, smooth, colorful beach ball.

Examples

Por favor, no tocan las pinturas.

Please, you all don't touch the paintings.

Los niños tocan el perro con cuidado.

The children touch the dog carefully.

Direct Action

When 'tocan' means touch, the thing being touched usually comes right after the word.

Handling vs. Touching

The most common mistake is using 'tocan' (to touch) when you mean to 'handle' a situation or task. Remember, 'tocan' is about physical contact, while 'tratan' and 'llevan' are about managing or dealing with something abstractly or procedurally.

Related Translations

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