The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Intentar is used to give direct orders or instructions to try something, for example Intenta terminar tu tarea antes de salir. (Try to finish your homework before going out.)

Intentar is a regular -ar verb, so its Imperative conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish):

Intentar generally means “to try” or “to attempt”, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To try or attempt: This is the most common meaning. For example, ¡Intenta hacerlo de nuevo! (Try doing it again!)

To make an effort: For example, ¡Intenta estudiar más! (Make an effort to study more!)

To dare or challenge: In a confrontational sense. For example, ¡Intenta decirme eso otra vez! (Dare to say that to me again!)

To pursue or go after: For example, ¡Intenta conseguir ese trabajo! (Pursue getting that job!)

To aim or strive for: For example, ¡Intenta ser más puntual! (Strive to be more punctual!)

To try on (clothes): For example, ¡Intenta ponerte esa camisa! (Try that shirt on!)

To attempt to seduce: In a flirtatious or suggestive way. For example, ¡Intenta convencerme! (Try to seduce me!)

Examples

Examples of Intentar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

Cuando estés frustrado, intenta respirar profundamente. (When you’re frustrated, try to take deep breaths.)

Intentemos ser más pacientes con los demás. (Let’s try to be more patient with others.)

Si no puedes resolver el problema, intenta pedir ayuda. (If you can’t solve the problem, try asking for help.)

Cuando viajes, intenta probar la comida local. (When traveling, try the local food.)

Para mejorar tu español, intenta practicar todos los días. (To improve your Spanish, try practicing every day.)

En la próxima reunión, intenten ser más organizados. (At the next meeting, try to be more organized.)

Si estás aburrido, intenta hacer algo creativo. (If you’re bored, try doing something creative.)

Cuando conozcas a alguien nuevo, intenta ser amable y abierto. (When meeting someone new, try to be kind and open.)

Para mantenerte en forma, intenta hacer ejercicio regularmente. (To stay in shape, try exercising regularly.)

Si tienes un conflicto con un amigo, intenta escuchar su perspectiva. (If you have a conflict with a friend, try listening to their perspective.)

Cuando estés estresado, intenta tomar un descanso y relajarte. (When you’re stressed, try taking a break and relaxing.)

En tu próximo viaje, intenta aprender algunas palabras básicas del idioma local. (On your next trip, try learning some basic words in the local language.)

Si quieres mejorar tus habilidades culinarias, intenta tomar una clase de cocina. (If you want to improve your cooking skills, try taking a cooking class.)

Cuando tengas un desacuerdo con tu pareja, intenten comunicarse de manera respetuosa. (When you have a disagreement with your partner, try communicating respectfully.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.