trato de

I try to

trato de(trah-toh deh)

phrase

1. (I attempt to)

a. I try to

Yo siempre trato de hacer las cosas lo mejor que puedo, pero está claro que a veces eso no es suficiente.

I always try to do things the best I can, but that's clearly not enough sometimes.

b. I'm trying to

Trato de ponerme en contacto con él, pero no contesta el teléfono.

I'm trying to get in touch with him, but he won't pick up the phone.

c. I've been trying to

Hace un rato que trato de enhebrar la aguja sin conseguirlo. ¿Lo podrías hacer tú, por favor?

I've been trying to thread the needle for a while now without managing to. Could you do it for me, please?

2. (I speak to someone as)

a. I address as (formally or informally)

Al padre de Ignacio yo siempre lo trato de usted en lugar de tú, porque me impone mucho.

I always address Ignacio's father as "usted", and not as "tú", because I find him very imposing.