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"Procurar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to try", and "tratar de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be about". Learn more about the difference between "procurar" and "tratar de" below.
procurar(
proh
-
koo
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to try
Procura ser más cuidadoso la próxima vez, ¿de acuerdo? Podrías lastimarte.Try to be more careful next time, okay? You might get hurt.
a. to make sure
Por favor, procura que los niños no coman nada con azúcar antes de acostarse.Please make sure the kids don't eat anything with sugar before going to bed.
3. (to give)
procurarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
tratar de(
trah
-
tahr
deh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to be about
Mi trabajo trata de los efectos del calentamiento global.My paper is about the effects of global warming.
b. to deal with
Esta investigación tratar de la contaminación visual en las grandes ciudades.This research deals with visual pollution in big cities.
2. (to attempt)