puedo intentarlo
/pwedo intentaɾlo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I can try" is puedo intentarlo.
This phrase is used to express a willingness to attempt something without guaranteeing a successful result.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of puedo (I can), intentar (to try) and the enclitic pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'I can try', the Spanish version often includes the object pronoun lo (it) to sound more natural when a specific task is implied.
How does it change in a sentence?
The object pronoun lo is attached to the end of the infinitive intentar to form intentarlo.
Did you know?
- If you use the word probar instead of intentar to say you will try something, a waiter might actually bring you a sample of food to taste.
- In some dialects, replacing intentarlo with tratar de hacerlo is more common, though tratar can also mean 'to treat' or 'to handle'.
- The word intento can be used as a noun meaning 'attempt', and it shares a root with the English word 'intention'.
Examples in context
- Puedo intentarlo y ver si puedo solucionar el problema.I can try and see if I can solve the problem.
- Si usted me da las indicaciones, puedo intentarlo.If you give me the instructions, I can try.
- Estoy dispuesto a intentarlo, aunque no garantizo el éxito.I am willing to try, although I can't guarantee success.
- Estoy dispuesta a intentarlo de nuevo si usted me da la oportunidad.I am willing to try again if you give me the opportunity.
- No sé si funcionará, pero puedo probar.I'm not sure if it will work, but I can try.
- Claro, puedo probar a ver qué pasa.Sure, I can try and see what happens.
- No creo que funcione, pero ¿por qué no? Lo intento.I don't think it will work, but why not? I'll give it a shot.
- No estoy seguro, pero puedo intentarlo.I am not sure, but I can try.
- Es difícil, aunque puedo intentarlo.It is difficult, although I can try.
- Si me ayudas, puedo intentarlo.If you help me, I can try.
Example conversation
Lucía asks Mateo to help her fix a broken chair.
- Lucía¿Puedes arreglar esta silla, Mateo?Can you fix this chair, Mateo?
- MateoNo sé cómo hacerlo, pero puedo intentarlo.I don't know how to do it, but I can try.
- LucíaGracias, eres muy amable.Thank you, you are very kind.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
