How to Say "you treat" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “you treat” is “tratas” — use 'tratas' when referring to your habitual or general way of behaving towards someone in the present indicative mood.
Use 'tratas' when referring to your habitual or general way of behaving towards someone in the present indicative mood.
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Use 'trates' when expressing a hope, desire, or command that someone should treat another person in a specific way, using the present subjunctive mood.
Learn more →TRAH-tahsˈtɾa.tas
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).
TRAH-tes'tɾa.tes
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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