Inklingo

How to Say "you attempt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you attempt” is “intentas” — use this when speaking informally to one person (like 'tú') and you want to say 'you try' or 'you attempt' in a direct, present-tense statement or question..

English → Spanish

intentas

een-TEN-tas/inˈtentas/

VerbA1informal
Use this when speaking informally to one person (like 'tú') and you want to say 'you try' or 'you attempt' in a direct, present-tense statement or question.
A young person with a determined expression straining to push a large, round gray rock up a gentle green slope, illustrating effort.

Examples

¿Qué **intentas** cocinar hoy?

What are you trying to cook today?

Si **intentas** subir sin ayuda, te caerás.

If you try to climb without help, you will fall.

**Intentas** resolver el problema, pero no es fácil.

You are attempting to solve the problem, but it's not easy.

No Preposition Needed

Unlike English ('try to do'), Spanish does not use a small connecting word (preposition) between 'intentar' and the next verb. Just say 'intentar hacer' (to try to do).

Adding 'de'

Mistake: “Intentas de estudiar.”

Correction: Intentas estudiar. (You are trying to study.) The word 'de' is not needed here.

intentes

/een-TEN-tehs//inˈtentes/

VerbA2formal/informal
Use this when expressing a necessity, desire, doubt, or emotion about someone else's attempt, often following phrases like 'es importante que' or 'quiero que' (Subjunctive mood).
A determined child, wearing bright clothes, straining slightly as they push a large, colorful, round boulder up a slight incline.

Examples

Es crucial que **intentes** de nuevo, no te rindas.

It is crucial that you try again, don't give up.

Es crucial que intentes de nuevo, no te rindas.

It is crucial that you try again, don't give up. (Subjunctive used after an impersonal expression of necessity)

No quiero que intentes hacer eso sin supervisión.

I don't want you to try to do that without supervision. (Subjunctive used after a verb of desire/influence)

Si intentes cruzar el río, ten cuidado.

If you try to cross the river, be careful. (Subjunctive used after 'si' when expressing future possibility in some dialects, though 'intentas' is more common here)

Subjunctive Form

The form 'intentes' is the special verb ending used when the sentence expresses emotions, desires, or doubt about the action of 'trying.' It often follows the word 'que' (that).

Negative Commands

When you want to tell someone (using 'tú') not to try something, you use 'no intentes.' The negative command always uses this special verb form.

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que tú *intentas*.”

Correction: Quiero que tú *intentes*. (You must use the special form 'intentes' after verbs expressing desire or influence.)

trates

/TRAH-tes//'tɾa.tes/

VerbB1formal/informal
Use this in the present subjunctive when you are asking or requesting someone to 'try' to do something, often implying an effort or dealing with a situation.
A small figure standing on their tiptoes, stretching their hand high with effort to reach a brightly colored apple hanging from a low tree branch.

Examples

Te pido que **trates** de concentrarte en la clase.

I ask that you try to concentrate in class.

Te pido que trates de concentrarte en la clase.

I ask that you try to concentrate in class.

No trates de abrir la caja sin la llave.

Don't try to open the box without the key.

Si quieres un ascenso, es mejor que trates de ser más proactivo.

If you want a raise, it's better that you try to be more proactive.

The Necessary 'de'

When 'trates' means 'you try,' it must be followed by the word 'de' before the next action: 'trates de salir' (you try to leave). If you forget 'de', it means 'you treat/deal with'.

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Saying: 'No trates hacer eso.'”

Correction: Say: 'No trates de hacer eso.' (Don't try to do that.)

Indicative vs. Subjunctive for 'You Attempt'

The most common mistake is using the indicative 'intentas' when the subjunctive is required. Remember, if you're expressing a wish, command, or necessity about someone else's attempt, you'll need 'intentes' or 'trates,' not 'intentas.'

Related Translations

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