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"Acerca de" is a preposition which is often translated as "about", and "trata de" is a phrase which is often translated as "it's about". Learn more about the difference between "acerca de" and "trata de" below.
acerca de(
ah
-
sehr
-
kah
deh
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. about
Leí un libro acerca de la guerra en la época medieval.I read a book about war in medieval times.
trata de(
trah
-
tah
deh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. it's about
La novela es muy interesante. Trata de una familia de trabajadores migrantes.The novel's really interesting. It's about a family of migrant workers.
a. he tries to
Ten cuidado con Marcelo. Si trata de convencerte de que le prestes dinero, no lo hagas.Be careful with Marcelo. If he tries to persuade you to lend him money, don't.
b. she tries to
Marta siempre llega tarde. Trata de levantarse temprano, pero en vano.Marta is always late. She tries to get up early, but to no avail.
c. it tries to
El artículo es interesante. Trata de argumentar en favor del aumento de la ayuda extranjera.The paper is interesting. It tries to make a case for an increase in foreign aid.
3. (formal) (make an attempt; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you're trying to
Si usted trata de decirme que quiere renunciar, dígalo.If you're trying to tell me that you want to resign, then say so.
b. you try to
¿Y si trata de ser agradable con ella?¿No ayudaría?What if you try to be nice to her? Wouldn't that help?
4. (informal) (imperative)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. trafficking in
Es increíble que la trata de blancas sea un problema tan grave en el siglo XXI.It's unbelievable that trafficking in women is such a serious problem in the 21st century.
