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How to Say "to attempt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intentar

/een-tehn-TAR//in.tenˈtaɾ/

verbA1formal effort
Use 'intentar' when you want to express making a conscious effort or trying to do something, often with a sense of ambition or a more formal undertaking.
A small, round, determined cartoon creature is straining slightly while pulling a thick rope, demonstrating physical effort.

Examples

Intentaré terminar el proyecto antes de la fecha límite.

I will attempt to finish the project before the deadline.

Voy a intentar estudiar hoy por la noche.

I am going to try to study tonight.

¿Por qué no intentamos hablar con el jefe?

Why don't we attempt (or try) speaking with the boss?

Intentaron abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.

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

Connecting to Actions

When you use 'intentar' to talk about trying to do something, you follow it directly with the second verb in its base form (infinitive), without needing any small connecting words like 'a' or 'de'.

Using 'de' or 'a' incorrectly

Mistake: “Intento de correr.”

Correction: Intento correr. (You do not use 'de' or 'a' between 'intentar' and the next verb.)

tratar

/trah-TAR//tɾaˈtaɾ/

verbA2making an effort to do something
Use 'tratar' when describing the action of making an effort or endeavoring to achieve a specific outcome, often related to habits or ongoing actions.
A small rabbit stretching high, trying to grab an apple from a tree branch.

Examples

Trato de levantarme temprano todos los días.

I try to get up early every day.

Trato de comer más verduras.

I try to eat more vegetables.

Ella trató de llamarte ayer.

She tried to call you yesterday.

Estamos tratando de arreglar el coche.

We are trying to fix the car.

The Magic Word 'De'

When you use 'tratar' to mean 'to try', you MUST put the word 'de' right after it, before the next action. It's like a bridge connecting 'tratar' to the verb.

Missing the Bridge

Mistake: “Trato estudiar.”

Correction: Trato DE estudiar. Without 'de', the sentence feels incomplete to a Spanish speaker.

Intentar vs. Tratar

Learners often confuse 'intentar' and 'tratar' because both mean 'to try'. Remember that 'intentar' is generally more common for a specific, often challenging, effort, while 'tratar' implies a more habitual or ongoing attempt.

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