Which one should you use?
lo estoy intentando specifically implies that you are attempting a particular task or thing by including the object pronoun. In contrast, the shorter form estoy intentando is more general and is used when the context already makes it clear what is being attempted. Additionally, estoy tratando is a common synonym for expressing effort, often used in the construction tratar de + infinitive.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase lo estoy intentando, the word lo is an object pronoun meaning "it", which is often included in Spanish to specify what is being attempted. Alternatively, you can attach this object pronoun to the end of the gerund to form intentándolo, resulting in estoy intentándolo. You may also omit the object pronoun entirely and use estoy intentando if the context makes the object clear.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, you might hear lo estoy tratando, which can sound like you are 'treating' a person or a medical patient if the context is not clear.
- If you use the form estoy intentándolo, the stress of the word shifts to the 'á' at the very end, requiring an accent mark that isn't in the base verb.
- The pronoun lo in lo estoy intentando actually traces back to the Latin word illum, which originally meant 'that one'.
Examples in context
- Estoy intentando aprender español para mejorar mi comunicación con colegas extranjeros.I am trying to learn Spanish to improve my communication with foreign colleagues.
- Estoy haciendo un esfuerzo para cumplir con todas las tareas asignadas.I am making an effort to complete all the assigned tasks.
- Estoy tratando de perder peso haciendo ejercicio y comiendo de manera saludable.I am trying to lose weight by exercising and eating healthily.
- Me estoy esforzando para sacar buenas notas en mis exámenes.I am trying hard to get good grades on my exams.
- Lo estoy intentando con todas mis fuerzas.I am trying with all my strength.
- Lo estoy intentando, pero es muy difícil.I am trying, but it is very difficult.
Example conversation
Mateo is struggling to open a jar for Elena.
- MateoNo puedo abrir este frasco.I can't open this jar.
- ElenaDale más fuerza, Mateo.Give it more strength, Mateo.
- Mateo¡Lo estoy intentando!I am trying!
- ElenaDeja que yo lo haga.Let me do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
