tratar vs intentar

Question

Hi all,

I've learned two verbs for 'try' -- tratar y intentar -- but don't understand the differences (though I've seen the former mostly in the form 'estoy tratando ....' What are the differences. Thanks!

Hola He aprendido dos verbos para 'try' -- tratar y intentar -- pero no entiendo las diferencias. Cuáles son? Gracias!

Good question, Rog! - Noetol, Jun 17, 2012

Answer 1

Tratar only means 'to try to', and is practically identical to intentar in meaning and use, when it's used with the prepostion 'de' - otherwise it can mean ' to treat/use/handle/regard

I'm trying to learn Spanish = Intento aprender español = trato de aprender español

Thanks. OK; and to clear something up, when I use the present participle in the construction ´estoy tratando´, does it get or need the ´de´ ? Thanks! - rogspax, Jun 17, 2012

yes it does - 'estoy tratando de aprender español.' but 'estoy intentando aprender español. :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jun 17, 2012

Este saltamontes tiene mucho aprender - rogspax, Jun 18, 2012

ja ja :) - I think that grasshopper is missing a word lol - mucho 'para' or 'que' aprender ;) Keep up the good work, you're doing fine! - Kiwi-Girl, Jun 18, 2012

Answer 2

You always need the preposition "de" with the verb "tratar" but not with "intentar."

Traté de entender (I tried to understand)

Intenté entender (I tried to understand)

Gracias! - rogspax, Jun 18, 2012

Answer 3

y Gracias!