They both mean to try, but I searched google for the difference and it wasn't overly clear. What do the natives use?
Thanks
Rob
Thanks
Rob
- Thread starter NanSanPedro
- Start date
Intentar vs. tratar, which is preferred and under what circumstances
I'm no native nor is Spanish my mother tongue, but I've used the language daily for years... My opinion:
tratar is essentially making an effort, something that really should get done, almost like ordering someone to do something, there being a risk that they fail if they do not make the effort
intentar is essentially just trying something, to try out something, much softer than tratar...
Just my 2 cents... Anyone feel free to correct...
I think intentar is used more often for something you're "planning" to do while tratar is more for something you're actively trying to do(?).
Please don't anyone take this the wrong way. I mean no offense. My personal opinion is google and "the locals" are not the top sources for this kind of information.
The primary meaning of "intentar" is "to attempt or try". You will find it is the preferred word for purposes such as technical user guides and documentation (i.e. "your account will be locked after three unsuccessful authentication attempts"). The primary meaning of "tratar" is "to treat" as in "treat well or badly" (e.g. "maltrato" or "oh pero mira cómo me tratas"). Secondary and tertiary meanings are to conduct personal or business dealings with someone or to address someone, generally in reference to a familiar or formal pronoun (e.g. "usted/tu/vos" etc.) It is also used colloquially as a synonym for "intentar", generally in spoken language and sometimes for the purpose of euphony.
In my experience, intentar is more common in Latin America. Tratar (in the sense of 'to try') is used in Spain. In Latin America, it is used more in the sense of 'to treat' as Arturo points out.