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How to Say "you treat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tratas

TRAH-tahs/ˈtɾa.tas/

VerbA1informal
Use 'tratas' when referring to your habitual or general way of behaving towards someone in the present indicative mood.
A colorful illustration showing one child with a kind expression gently handing a bright red apple to another child, symbolizing good treatment.

Examples

¿Cómo tratas a tus compañeros de trabajo?

How do you treat your coworkers?

Si tratas de abrir la caja, ten cuidado.

If you try to open the box, be careful.

Parece que tratas el problema con mucha calma.

It seems that you are dealing with the problem very calmly.

Using 'tratar de'

When 'tratar' means 'to try' or 'to attempt,' it must be followed by the word 'de' before the next action: 'Tratas de estudiar más' (You try to study more).

trates

/TRAH-tes//'tɾa.tes/

VerbA2informal
Use 'trates' when expressing a hope, desire, or command that someone should treat another person in a specific way, using the present subjunctive mood.
A child carefully wrapping a small bandage around the leg of their teddy bear, showing an act of care or treatment.

Examples

Espero que trates a mi hermana con respeto.

I hope you treat my sister with respect.

No trates este asunto como si no fuera importante.

Don't treat this matter as if it weren't important.

Quiero que trates de arreglarlo tú mismo.

I want you to try to fix it yourself. (Note: This is the 'try' meaning, but the verb form is the same.)

When to use 'trates'

This form is used when you are giving a negative command ('No trates...') or when you are talking about wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessity directed at the person you call 'tú' ('Espero que trates...').

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: “Using 'tratas' (present action) instead of 'trates' when expressing a hope or necessity: 'Quiero que tú tratas bien a todos.'”

Correction: You must use 'trates' after verbs of desire: 'Quiero que tú trates bien a todos.' (I want you to treat everyone well.)

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common mistake is using 'tratas' (indicative) when the subjunctive is required. Remember to use 'trates' after expressions of hope, doubt, emotion, or commands like 'espero que' (I hope that).

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