Inklingo

How to Say "we tried" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intentamos

een-ten-TAH-mos/in.tenˈta.mos/

VerbA2General
Use 'intentamos' when referring to a general effort or a habitual attempt to do something, often implying ongoing action or a general principle.
A simple storybook illustration showing two small, colorful characters actively working together to push a large, brightly colored square block up a gentle, grassy incline.

Examples

Intentamos aprender algo nuevo cada día.

We try to learn something new every day.

Si intentamos hablar español, mejoraremos rápido.

If we try to speak Spanish, we will improve quickly.

Ayer intentamos arreglar el coche, pero no pudimos.

Yesterday we tried to fix the car, but we couldn't.

The 'Nosotros' Form

This word specifically means 'we' are performing the action. The verb intentar is regular, so the 'nosotros' ending is always -amos in the present tense.

Following with 'a'

Unlike English ('we try to do'), Spanish often uses the verb directly followed by the action: 'Intentamos hacer la tarea' (We try to do the homework). No 'a' is needed after intentar.

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: “Intentamos (Present) vs. Intentábamos (Imperfect)”

Correction: 'Intentamos' usually means 'we try now.' If you want to talk about a continuous effort in the past (e.g., 'We used to try'), use 'intentábamos'.

queremos

/keh-REH-mohs//keˈɾemos/

VerbB1General
Use 'queremos' when describing a specific, completed attempt in the past, emphasizing the action of trying, regardless of the outcome.
Two figures straining and pushing a large, heavy wooden cart stuck in the mud, illustrating maximum effort and an attempt.

Examples

Ayer queremos llamarte, pero no teníamos señal.

Yesterday we tried to call you, but we didn't have a signal.

No queremos aceptar sus excusas.

We refused to accept his excuses.

Le explicamos el problema, pero no queremos entender.

We explained the problem to him, but he refused to understand.

A Special Past Tense Meaning

When you talk about a single, completed action in the past (the preterite tense), 'querer' changes its meaning from 'to want' to 'to try'. For the 'we' form, both the present and this special past tense are spelled 'queremos'.

How to Spot the Difference

You'll know it means 'we tried' or 'we refused' based on the other words in the sentence. Look for clues that place the action in the past, like 'ayer' (yesterday) or another past-tense verb.

Using for General Wants in the Past

Mistake: “Cuando éramos niños, queremos ser astronautas. (Incorrect for a general, ongoing desire in the past.)”

Correction: Cuando éramos niños, queríamos ser astronautas. Use the 'imperfect' form ('queríamos') for ongoing wants or desires in the past, not 'queremos'.

Intentamos vs. Queremos

Learners often confuse 'intentamos' and 'queremos' when referring to past actions. Remember that 'intentamos' is more general and can cover habitual efforts, while 'queremos' points to a specific, singular attempt in the past.

Related Translations

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