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"Tratar de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be about", and "tratar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to treat". Learn more about the difference between "tratar de" and "tratar" 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)
tratar(
trah
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to behave)
a. to treat
Se espera que se trate con respeto a la gente mayor.It is expected that one should treat the elderly with respect.
2. (medicine)
a. to treat
Tras tratarlo con medicamentos, se le dará de alta mañana.After treating him with medication, he will be discharged tomorrow.
a. to address
Esta es otra cuestión que hay que tratar lo antes posible.This is another issue that has to be addressed as soon as possible.
4. (computing)
a. to process
En este curso aprenderán a transformar y tratar conjuntos de datos grandes.In this course you will learn to transform and process big data.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
tratarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
