How to Say "you try" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “you try” is “tratas” — use this when you are stating that someone attempts to do something, often followed by 'de' and another verb..
tratas
TRAH-tahs/ˈtɾa.tas/
Examples
Tratas de entender la lección.
You try to understand the lesson.
¿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).
Examples
Usted intenta resolver el problema.
You (formal) try to solve the problem.
pruebas
/prweh-bahs//ˈpɾweβas/
Examples
¿Has probado el helado nuevo?
Have you tried the new ice cream?
¿Por qué no pruebas la sopa? Está deliciosa.
Why don't you try the soup? It's delicious.
Si pruebas que tienes razón, te creeré.
If you prove you're right, I'll believe you.
Tú siempre pruebas la temperatura del agua antes de nadar.
You always test the water temperature before swimming.
The 'Boot' Verb Change (o → ue)
The verb 'probar' changes its spelling in the present tense. The 'o' becomes a 'ue' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Notice how 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' stay normal ('probamos'). This pattern looks like a boot or a shoe, which can help you remember it!
Mixing up 'probar' and 'intentar'
Mistake: “Quiero intentar la pizza. (I want to try the pizza.)”
Correction: Use 'probar' for trying food, drinks, or clothes: 'Quiero probar la pizza.' Use 'intentar' for trying to do an action, like 'Quiero intentar hablar español.' (I want to try to speak Spanish.)
intentes
/een-TEN-tehs//inˈtentes/
Examples
Quiero que intentes llegar a tiempo.
I want you to try to arrive on time.
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/
Examples
Es importante que trates de ser amable.
It's important that you try to be kind.
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 Mood
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.