Lo intento
/lo intento/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I try" is translated into Spanish as Lo intento.
This phrase is used to say that one is making an effort to achieve something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I try it", where lo is the direct object pronoun "it".
Which one should you use?
While Lo intento means "I try it", using the verb probar (e.g., Lo pruebo) would mean "I taste it" or "I test it" in a physical sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb intento is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb intentar.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo intento/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, responding to a request with lo intento can be a polite way of saying 'no' or 'maybe'. It signals that the person will make an effort, but does not guarantee a successful result.
- The verb in Lo intento shares a common ancestor with the English word 'intent', both coming from the Latin intentus, which means 'stretched' or 'strained' toward a goal.
- While lo intento is common, Spanish also uses tratar de to mean 'to try'. In many Latin American countries, tratar is the default choice for daily tasks, making intentar sound more formal or determined.
Examples in context
- Lo intento, pero no hay manera de olvidarte.I try, but there's no way to forget you.This sentence shows how to use Lo intento when expressing difficulty in a situation.Tatoeba #986585 by Shishir, translation #10127463 by DJ_Saidez
- Lo intento.I try.This sentence provides a simple way to use Lo intento as a standalone statement.Tatoeba #1449864 by nullsoul9, translation #20776 by CK
- Siempre intento mejorar mi nivel de español.I always try to enhance my Spanish level.
- Trato de ser lo más puntual posible.I try to be as punctual as possible.
- Hago lo posible por llegar temprano.I try to arrive early.
- Lo intento cada mañana.I try every morning.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about learning a new skill.
- María¿Te resulta difícil aprender a cocinar?Do you find it difficult to learn how to cook?
- AlejandroSí, pero lo intento con mucha paciencia.Yes, but I try with a lot of patience.
- MaríaEso es lo más importante, Alejandro.That is the most important thing, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, María. Yo lo intento siempre.Thanks, María. I always try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intento, lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
