Inklingo

How to Say "to try" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intentar

een-tehn-TARin.tenˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use this word when you are making an effort to do something, often with an uncertain outcome.
A small, round, determined cartoon creature is straining slightly while pulling a thick rope, demonstrating physical effort.

Examples

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

verbA2general
Use 'tratar de' followed by an infinitive when you are making an effort to do something, similar to 'intentar' but often implying a conscious effort.

Examples

Trato de comer más verduras.

I try to eat more vegetables.

procurar

pro-koo-RARpɾokuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use this word when you are making a special effort to achieve something or ensure something happens.
A child reaching for a high shelf with a look of determination.

Examples

Procura llegar a tiempo a la reunión.

Try to arrive on time to the meeting.

Debemos procurar que todos los invitados se sientan cómodos.

We must ensure that all the guests feel comfortable.

Procuré no hacer ruido al entrar en la casa.

I tried not to make noise when entering the house.

Using 'que' with Procurar

When you say 'procurar que' (to ensure that), the verb that follows must change its form to the 'wish/command' style (subjunctive). For example: 'Procuro que coma' (I ensure that he eats).

Direct Action vs. Goal

Use 'procurar' + an action word (infinitive) to say you are trying to do something yourself. Use 'procurar que' when you want to make sure something else happens.

Don't add 'de'

Mistake: “Procuro de estudiar mucho.”

Correction: Procuro estudiar mucho. Unlike 'tratar de', 'procurar' connects directly to the next verb.

pretender

pre-ten-DAREpɾetenˈdeɾ

verbB1general
Use this word when you intend or aim to do something, implying a plan or goal.
A person looking at a mountain peak with a backpack, ready to start their climb.

Examples

Pretendo terminar mi carrera este año.

I intend to finish my degree this year.

¿Qué pretendes con ese comentario?

What are you aiming for with that comment?

Intent vs. Make-Believe

Unlike the English word 'pretend,' this Spanish word usually means you have a goal or intention, not that you are playing make-believe.

False Friend Warning

Mistake: “Using 'pretender' to mean 'to act like a pirate' or 'to play-act'.”

Correction: Use 'aparentar' (to seem) or 'hacerse el' (to act like) for English-style 'pretending'. Use 'pretender' when you mean 'I plan to'.

juzgar

hooz-GARxuzˈɣaɾ

verbB1formal
This word specifically means 'to try' in the context of a legal trial or judgment.
A wooden judge's gavel resting firmly on a circular wooden sound block, symbolizing the finalization of a legal decision.

Examples

El tribunal juzgará el caso la próxima semana.

The court will judge the case next week.

El juez juzgó al acusado inocente.

The judge judged the defendant innocent. (or: The judge found the defendant innocent.)

The Passive Voice

In legal contexts, 'juzgar' is often used in the passive voice to describe the defendant: 'El acusado fue juzgado' (The defendant was judged/tried).

Effort vs. Intention vs. Legal Trial

The most common mistake is using 'pretender' or 'juzgar' when you simply mean to make an effort. Remember, 'pretender' implies an intention or goal, and 'juzgar' is exclusively for legal proceedings. Stick to 'intentar', 'tratar de', or 'procurar' for general efforts.

Related Translations

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