Inklingo

How to Say "to try" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intentar

/een-tehn-TAR//in.tenˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'intentar' when you are making an effort to do something, emphasizing the act of attempting.
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

/trah-TAR//tɾaˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'tratar de' followed by an infinitive when you are making an effort or attempting to do something, often implying a regular or ongoing action.
A small rabbit stretching high, trying to grab an apple from a tree branch.

Examples

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.

pretender

/pre-ten-DARE//pɾetenˈdeɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'pretender' when you intend or aim to do something, signifying a goal or aspiration.
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-GAR/xuzˈɣaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'juzgar' specifically when referring to the legal act of judging a case or trial.
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

The most common confusion is between 'intentar' and 'pretender'. While both can imply attempting something, 'intentar' focuses on the effort made, whereas 'pretender' emphasizes the intention or goal behind the action. Don't use 'pretender' for a simple effort; reserve it for when you have a clear aim or objective.

Related Translations

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