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"Tratar de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be about", and "intentar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to try". Learn more about the difference between "tratar de" and "intentar" below.
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)
intentar(
een
-
tehn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to try
Cualquiera puede intentar hacer su propio jardín en casa.Anybody can try to make their own home garden.
b. to attempt
No intentes cambiar el foco sin una escalera.Don't attempt to change the lightbulb without a ladder.
