What does it mean word for word?
The phrase inténtalo de nuevo is composed of the imperative verb intenta (try), the object pronoun lo (it) and the adverbial phrase de nuevo (again/anew).
Which one should you use?
While inténtalo de nuevo is a standard way to express the idea, you can also use vuelve a intentarlo, which uses the structure volver a + infinitive to express repetition. Another synonymous option is inténtalo otra vez, which uses otra vez (another time) instead of de nuevo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear probá otra vez instead of prueba otra vez.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on the number of people you are addressing and the level of formality. Use inténtalo de nuevo for an informal singular subject (tú). If you are instructing a group of people, use the plural form inténtenlo de nuevo.
Did you know?
- While inténtalo comes from intentar, the Spanish word for 'trying' a new food or testing a product is probar. A native speaker would never use inténtalo to tell someone to taste a dish again.
- The phrase vuelve a intentarlo uses the verb volver, which literally means 'to return'. In this context, it creates a grammatical structure that transforms any action into a repeated attempt.
- The word nuevo in de nuevo is a direct descendant of the Latin word novus, which also gave English the word 'novel' as in a new or original idea.
Examples in context
- Por favor, inténtalo de nuevo.Please try again.This sentence is useful for practicing a polite request using inténtalo de nuevo.Tatoeba #6690679 by arh, translation #1444842 by Spamster
- Inténtalo de nuevo.Try again.This sentence is a direct way to say inténtalo de nuevo.Tatoeba #1236812 by Shishir, translation #31723 by CK
- Vuelva a intentarlo, por favor.Try again, please.
- No te rindas, inténtalo de nuevo.Don't give up, try again.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Lucía with a difficult puzzle.
- Alejandro¿No puedes poner esa pieza aquí?Can't you put that piece here?
- LucíaNo, no encaja de ninguna manera.No, it doesn't fit at all.
- AlejandroNo pasa nada, inténtalo de nuevo.It's okay, try again.
- LucíaVale, lo voy a intentar otra vez.Okay, I will try once more.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, nuevo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
