🇪🇸 How to say

“to try” in Spanish

intentar
Illustration of "to try" in a Spanish cultural setting
A person stands in their kitchen, looking determinedly at a complicated recipe book, then picks up a whisk to attempt making a new dish for the first time.

Usage note

Use 'intentar' when you make an effort to do something, similar to 'to attempt' in English. It's a very common and neutral verb for everyday situations where the outcome is uncertain.

Examples

  • Voy a intentar levantarme temprano mañana.

    I am going to try to get up early tomorrow.

  • Ella intenta aprender español.

    She tries to learn Spanish.

  • Intentamos abrir la ventana, pero está atascada.

    We try to open the window, but it's stuck.

Quick check

What does "intentar" mean?

  • A. to try
  • B. to want
  • C. to feel
  • D. to get

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