intentas
/intentas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "you try" is translated as intentas.
The phrase is used to describe the action of making an effort to do something. While intentas is a standard way to express this, other phrases like Prueba tú can be used to convey the meaning in a more familiar and informal way or Atrévete can be used to mean "dare yourself".
Which one should you use?
The form intentas is the indicative form used for statements, such as "you try". In contrast, intenta is the imperative form used when giving a command or a suggestion, such as "try!"
How does it change in a sentence?
intentas is the second person singular present indicative form of the verb. It is used specifically when addressing a single person informally as tú.
How do you pronounce it?
/intentas/
Did you know?
- The word intentas comes from the Latin intendere, which originally meant 'to stretch out' or 'to strain', like stretching a bowstring.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, replying lo intentaré (I will try it) to a request can be a polite social code for saying 'no' without being direct.
- While intentas expresses effort, the verb probar is used when you 'try' a piece of food or a new pair of shoes. Using intentar in a restaurant could make it sound like you are attempting a difficult task rather than tasting a dish.
Examples in context
- ¿Por qué no lo intentas?Why don't you try it?This sentence shows how to use intentas in a question.Tatoeba #4531519 by cueyayotl, translation #4497963 by CK
- ¿Por qué intentaste escapar?Why did you try to run away?Tatoeba #1080778 by Shishir, translation #16451 by Swift
- Lo puedes hacer si lo intentas.You can do it if you try.This sentence shows how to use intentas in a conditional statement.Tatoeba #1457505 by marcelostockle, translation #30254 by CK
- Tú inténtalo, seguro que te gusta.You try it, I'm sure you'll like it.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is encouraging Sofía to learn a new hobby.
- JavierSi intentas practicar, mejorarás mucho.If you try to practice, you will improve a lot.
- SofíaNo sé si lo haré.I don't know if I will do it.
- JavierTú siempre intentas cosas nuevas.You always try new things.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo intentaré.You are right, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
