words with the same meaning

Question

As I learn more vocabulary I find verbs with a similar definition. For example: encontrar and hallar - can both mean - to find tratar and intendar - can both mean - to try

When I ask a Spanish teacher they can at times explain the difference and/or circumstances in selecting which verb is better for which circumstance.

I find at Spanishdict.com, I am not able to figure that out. I have tried creating different sentences using the verb to see if it translates differently but not sure that is helping. Any idea on how to use this site more effectively to figure this out or what I could do?

Could you also comment on the above two example and if they are just used interchangeably or is there a difference. Thanks

Answer 1

Hallar

No me hallo en esta ciudad. / I feel out of place in this city.

Encontrar

Se encuentran en la oficina. / They are (to be found) in the office.

Encontrar

She couldn’t find her way out of the building. / No podía encontrar la salida del edificio.

Intentar

Intentaremos llegar antes de que anochezca. / We will try to arrive before nightfall.

Tratar

Estamos tratando de descansar. We’re trying to rest.

Wait for a native speaker for a general explanation - if there is one.

Answer 2

Hi and welcome to the forum.

This is the place that you ask specific questions like, "Are these two words used interchangeably?"

Another method I use is Reverso Dictionary because they have lots of example sentences that tell us how to use a word.

• Encontrar vs. Hallar

Although they are often interchangeable, you'll see that....

"Encontrar" is used when we meet people (either on purpose or by coincidence), find something (a lost book), to encounter (a problem), etc.

"Hallar" is more to find an object, a solution to a problem, to meet (with opposition), to discover (a body), etc.

• Tratar vs intentar

When they mean "to try" they are pretty much used the same way....

"Tratar" has a few different meanings. When used as "to try" it's always followed by the preposition "de" = Traté de llamarte. (I tried to call you.)

"Intentar" is used to say "try" or "an attempt" at something. = ¿Por qué no lo intentas otra vez? (Why don't you try again?)

---

P.s. "Probar" can also mean "to try" (food) or "to try out" something (a new product).