intentar
/intenˈtaɾ/
To attempt in Spanish is to intentar. Wiktionary also lists tratar de and acometer.
Meaning: to try (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| intentar | /intenˈtaɾ/ |
| tratar de | /tɾataɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
| acometer | /akomeˈteɾ/ |
| ver de | /beɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
For more specific contexts, you might use tratar de, which translates to to try to or acometer, which is used when an attempt involves a vigorous or forceful undertaking of a difficult task or project.
Which one should you use?
Use acometer specifically when the attempt involves tackling or undertaking a difficult task or project.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase tratar de to express an attempt to do something, it must be followed by an infinitive.
How do you pronounce it?
/intenˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use intentar when they mean to try something out, such as testing a method or tasting food. In those cases, you should use probar instead.
Did you know?
- The verb tratar has an obscure regional double that means 'to cut open and salt eels' for curing, known as trechar.
- Using ver de to express an attempt is a common idiomatic structure that might confuse a student who only learned that ver means 'to see'.
- The term acometer is often used in literature to describe a hero facing a daunting challenge, moving beyond a simple 'try' to a forceful 'attack' of a problem.
Examples in context
- Pronto intentaremos empezar la clase.We'll attempt to start the class soon.This sentence shows how to use intentar for an upcoming action.Tatoeba #712884 by Shishir, translation #680289 by Source_VOA
- La desesperación lo llevó a intentar suicidarse.Despair drove him to attempt suicide.This sentence demonstrates the use of intentar in a serious context.Tatoeba #5589284 by albrusgher, translation #328486 by fcbond
- Él es demasiado cobarde para intentarlo.He is too much of a coward to attempt it.This sentence shows how to use intentar with a direct object pronoun.Tatoeba #663178 by darinmex, translation #292074 by CK
- Hice un intento de solucionar el problemaI made an attempt to solve the problem
- Voy a tratar de convencerloI'm going to attempt to persuade him
- Vamos a intentar resolver este acertijoLet's attempt to solve this riddle
- Voy a probar una nueva estrategiaI'm going to attempt a new strategy
- El detective hizo un intento de resolver el misterioThe detective made an attempt to solve the mystery
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about learning a new hobby.
- LucíaQuiero aprender a tocar el piano.I want to learn to play the piano.
- Daniel¿Vas a intentar tomar clases este mes?Are you going to try taking classes this month?
- LucíaSí, voy a intentar buscar un profesor.Yes, I'm going to try to find a teacher.
- DanielEso suena como una gran idea, Lucía.That sounds like a great idea, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attempt” translations and entries intentar, acometer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acometer, de, intentar, tratar, ver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
