The Conditional Mood of Intentar is used to express what you would try to do in a hypothetical situation, for example: Intentaría aprender español si tuviera más tiempo. (I would try to learn Spanish if I had more time.)

Intentar is a regular verb, so its Conditional conjugations follow the typical pattern for -ar verbs in Spanish.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Conditional Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

The conditional mood of intentar expresses what someone would try or intend to do in a hypothetical situation.

Attempt or try: This is the most common meaning, indicating an intention to do something if certain conditions are met. For example, Intentaría aprender español si tuviera más tiempo. (I would try to learn Spanish if I had more time.)

Aim or plan: It can also express a plan or aim to do something under certain circumstances. For example, Intentaría viajar más el próximo año. (I would aim to travel more next year.)

Make an effort: It can convey the idea of making an effort or trying hard to achieve something. For example, Intentaría ser más paciente con mis hijos. (I would try to be more patient with my children.)

Colloquial usage: In informal contexts, it can be used to express a desire or intention to do something, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone. For example, Intentaría comerme todo el pastel, pero no creo que pueda. (I would try to eat the whole cake, but I don’t think I can.)

Examples

Examples of Intentar in the Conditional Mood

Si intentaría aprender un nuevo idioma, elegiría el español. (If I would try to learn a new language, I would choose Spanish.)

Ellos intentarían viajar más, pero sus trabajos se los impiden. (They would try to travel more, but their jobs prevent them from doing so.)

¿Intentarías ese plato picante? Yo no me atrevo. (Would you try that spicy dish? I wouldn’t dare.)

Nosotros intentaríamos ayudar, pero no sabemos cómo. (We would try to help, but we don’t know how.)

Aunque intentaría explicarlo de nuevo, dudo que lo entiendan. (Even if I would try to explain it again, I doubt they would understand.)

Si tuviera más tiempo libre, intentaría aprender a tocar la guitarra. (If I had more free time, I would try to learn to play the guitar.)

Ellas intentarían hacer ejercicio con más frecuencia, pero les falta motivación. (They would try to exercise more often, but they lack motivation.)

¿Intentarías ese deporte extremo? Yo paso, gracias. (Would you try that extreme sport? No thanks, I’ll pass.)

Nosotros intentaríamos ir al concierto, pero ya se agotaron las entradas. (We would try to go to the concert, but the tickets are already sold out.)

Aunque intentaría negociar un mejor precio, dudo que acepten. (Even if I would try to negotiate a better price, I doubt they would accept.)

Si pudiera, intentaría cambiar de carrera profesional. (If I could, I would try to change my career path.)

Ellos intentarían ahorrar más dinero, pero los gastos son demasiados. (They would try to save more money, but their expenses are too high.)

¿Intentarías ese nuevo restaurante vegano? Dicen que es buenísimo. (Would you try that new vegan restaurant? They say it’s really good.)

Nosotros intentaríamos ir al partido, pero tenemos que trabajar. (We would try to go to the game, but we have to work.)

Aunque intentaría convencerlos, sé que no cambiarán de opinión. (Even if I would try to convince them, I know they won’t change their mind.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Conditional Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Conditional mood is also known as the Simple Conditional, Conditional Simple, Would Tense, or Future of the Past in English, and as Condicional Simple, Pospretérito, Potencial Simple, or Condicional de Indicativo in Spanish.