I’m Trying In Spanish | Essential Phrases

Embarking on the journey of learning a new language is akin to building a sturdy bridge, one word at a time. Sometimes, the most fundamental phrases are the ones that unlock the most doors, allowing us to connect and express our intentions clearly. “I’m trying” is one such phrase, a humble yet powerful declaration of effort and intention.

The Core of “I’m Trying”: ‘Intentar’

The most direct and common translation for “I’m trying” in Spanish is derived from the verb intentar. This verb signifies an attempt, an effort to do something, or a trial. When you want to express that you are currently making an effort, you would use the present progressive tense.

Present Progressive with ‘Intentar’

The present progressive in Spanish is formed using the verb estar (to be) followed by the gerund of the main verb. For intentar, the gerund is intentando.

• Yo estoy intentando – I am trying.
• Tú estás intentando – You (informal) are trying.
• Él/Ella/Usted está intentando – He/She/You (formal) is/are trying.
• Nosotros/Nosotras estamos intentando – We are trying.
• Vosotros/Vosotras estáis intentando – You all (informal, Spain) are trying.
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes están intentando – They/You all (formal/Latin America) are trying.

This structure is fundamental for conveying ongoing actions, much like using “am/is/are + -ing” in English.

‘Tratar de’: Another Key Verb

Another frequently used verb that translates to “to try” is tratar de. While similar to intentar, tratar de often carries a slightly broader sense of making an effort or attempting something, sometimes with an implication of dealing with or handling a situation.

Using ‘Tratar de’ in the Present Progressive

Similar to intentar, tratar de also forms its present progressive with estar and its gerund, which is tratando. The structure remains consistent.

• Yo estoy tratando de… – I am trying to…
• Ella está tratando de… – She is trying to…
• Nosotros estamos tratando de… – We are trying to…

The phrase tratar de is often followed by an infinitive verb, indicating what is being attempted. For example, Estoy tratando de aprender español (I am trying to learn Spanish).

Distinguishing ‘Intentar’ and ‘Tratar de’

While often interchangeable, there are subtle differences that can guide your choice. Intentar can sometimes imply a more specific, perhaps singular, attempt. Tratar de can feel more like a continuous effort or a process of dealing with something.

Contextual Examples

• Intentar: “Intenté abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada con llave.” (I tried to open the door, but it was locked.) – This suggests a specific attempt.
• Tratar de: “Estoy tratando de ser más paciente con mi familia.” (I am trying to be more patient with my family.) – This implies an ongoing effort and a process.

In many everyday situations, especially when expressing a general effort, either verb will be understood correctly.

Expressing Effort in Different Tenses

Beyond the present progressive, expressing “trying” can occur in other tenses, reflecting different timeframes of effort.

Past Tense Efforts

When looking back at an attempt, you’ll use past tenses.

• Preterite: For completed actions in the past.
  • Intenté – I tried (a specific instance).
  • Traté de – I tried to (a specific instance).
• Imperfect: For ongoing or habitual actions in the past.
  • Intentaba – I was trying / I used to try.
  • Trataba de – I was trying to / I used to try to.

Understanding these tenses is vital for accurately recounting past experiences of effort.

Future Attempts and Intentions

Looking ahead, expressing future attempts uses the future tense or conditional mood.

Future Tense

• Intentaré – I will try.
• Trataré de – I will try to.

These forms convey a commitment to make an effort in the future.

Conditional Mood

The conditional often softens an intention or expresses a hypothetical attempt.

• Intentaría – I would try.
• Trataría de – I would try to.

This is useful for polite suggestions or when discussing possibilities.

The Nuance of ‘Probar’

While intentar and tratar de are the primary verbs for “to try” in the sense of making an effort, the verb probar also translates to “to try” but in a different context. Probar is used for trying out something new, tasting food, or testing something to see if it works.

When to Use ‘Probar’

• Trying on clothes: Voy a probarme este vestido. (I am going to try on this dress.)
• Tasting food: ¿Quieres probar esta sopa? (Do you want to try this soup?)
• Testing an idea or device: Probé el nuevo software. (I tried the new software.)

It is crucial not to confuse probar with intentar or tratar de, as the meaning would change significantly.

Common Scenarios for “I’m Trying”

The phrase “I’m trying” is incredibly versatile. Here are some common situations where you might use it in Spanish.

Language Learning

This is perhaps one of the most frequent uses for learners.

• Estoy intentando hablar español todos los días. (I am trying to speak Spanish every day.)
• Estoy tratando de entender la gramática. (I am trying to understand the grammar.)

Completing Tasks

When facing a difficult task or assignment.

• Estoy intentando terminar este informe a tiempo. (I am trying to finish this report on time.)
• Estoy tratando de resolver este problema. (I am trying to solve this problem.)

Personal Improvement

Efforts towards self-betterment.

• Estoy intentando comer más saludable. (I am trying to eat healthier.)
• Estoy tratando de ser más organizado. (I am trying to be more organized.)

Table: Verb Comparison for “To Try”

Verb	Primary Meaning	Common Usage
Intentar	To attempt, to endeavor	Making an effort to do something specific.
Tratar de	To try to, to attempt to	General effort, ongoing process, often followed by an infinitive.
Probar	To test, to taste, to try on	Experiencing something new, sampling, fitting.

The Importance of Context

As with many linguistic concepts, the precise translation and usage of “I’m trying” in Spanish depend heavily on the specific context. A learner might say “Estoy intentando” when they are struggling with a particular word or sentence structure, signaling to their interlocutor that they are actively working on it.

Subtle Variations in Meaning

• Estoy intentando can sometimes imply a more direct, focused effort.
• Estoy tratando de can suggest a broader, more encompassing effort, perhaps involving multiple steps or a longer duration.

For a beginner, focusing on intentar and tratar de in the present progressive tense will cover the vast majority of situations where you need to express “I’m trying.”

Table: Present Progressive Forms

Pronoun	Estar (Present)	Gerund	Full Phrase (approx.)
Yo	estoy	intentando / tratando	I am trying
Tú	estás	intentando / tratando	You (inf.) are trying
Él/Ella/Usted	está	intentando / tratando	He/She/You (form.) is/are trying
Nosotros/Nosotras	estamos	intentando / tratando	We are trying
Vosotros/Vosotras	estáis	intentando / tratando	You all (inf., Spain) are trying
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	están	intentando / tratando	They/You all (form./LatAm) are trying

Common Phrases and Their Applications

Beyond the basic translation, certain phrases build upon “I’m trying” to convey more specific intentions or situations.

Adding the Object of Effort

It’s common to specify what you are trying to do.

• Estoy intentando aprender español. (I am trying to learn Spanish.)
• Estoy tratando de llegar a tiempo. (I am trying to arrive on time.)
• Estoy intentando llamarte. (I am trying to call you.)

Expressing Difficulty

Sometimes, you want to convey that the trying itself is challenging.

• Me cuesta mucho, pero estoy intentando. (It’s very difficult for me, but I’m trying.)
• No es fácil, pero estoy tratando de hacerlo. (It’s not easy, but I’m trying to do it.)

Asking for Patience

When you are trying, you might implicitly or explicitly ask for understanding.

• Por favor, ten paciencia, estoy intentando. (Please be patient, I’m trying.)

The Role of Non-Verbal Communication

In spoken Spanish, as in any language, non-verbal cues accompany phrases like “I’m trying.” A determined look, a slight shrug of the shoulders, or a sigh can all add layers of meaning to your verbal expression of effort.

Gestures and Tone

• A furrowed brow might accompany “Estoy intentando resolver esto.” (I’m trying to solve this.)
• A more relaxed tone might accompany “Estoy tratando de relajarme.” (I’m trying to relax.)

These elements are part of the holistic communication process.

Building Confidence Through Effort

Every time you use a phrase like “Estoy intentando” or “Estoy tratando de”, you are not only communicating your current state but also building your confidence as a Spanish speaker. Each attempt, successful or not, is a step forward in your language acquisition journey.

The Learning Process

Language learning is not about perfection from the outset; it’s about consistent effort and willingness to communicate. Recognizing and using these phrases demonstrates a proactive approach to learning.

• Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Focusing on comprehension and expression.

Your efforts are valid and contribute to your progress.

Mastering ‘I’m Trying’ in Spanish

The key to mastering “I’m trying” in Spanish lies in understanding the verbs intentar and tratar de, their conjugations in the present progressive, and the subtle contextual differences. Recognizing when to use probar is also essential for avoiding miscommunication.

Practice Makes Progress

Regularly incorporating these phrases into your Spanish practice, whether through speaking with native speakers, language exchange partners, or even self-practice, will solidify your understanding and fluency. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.

• Listen to native speakers using these phrases.
• Try to use them in your own conversations.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the learning process.

With consistent application, expressing your efforts in Spanish will become second nature.