intentar todo
/intentaɾ todo/from spelling rules
To say 'try everything' in Spanish, you use intentar todo.
The phrase is used to express the idea of making an effort to test or experience every possible option or method.
Which one should you use?
While intentar todo focuses on the effort of attempting a task or method, the alternative probar todo is used specifically when 'trying' refers to tasting food or testing the quality of a physical object.
How do you pronounce it?
/intentaɾ todo/
Did you know?
- The verb intentar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'tend', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *tend-, which describes the act of stretching or striving.
- The word todo is used in the phrase de todo, which means 'a bit of everything' and is frequently used when ordering appetizers or drinks in Spain and Latin America.
- If you say you want to intentar todo in a social context, it might sound like you are being extremely ambitious or even reckless, depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Tenemos que intentar todo.We need to try everything.This sentence shows how to use intentar todo to express necessity.Tatoeba #3314526 by Malape, translation #3313081 by CK
- Intenta todo lo que puedas en este viajeTry everything you can on this trip
- Experimente con todo para descubrir nuevas aventurasTry everything to discover new adventures
- Pruébalo todo, ¡no te arrepentirás!Try everything, you won't regret it!
- Échale ganas a todo lo que hagas en tu viajeGive it your all in everything you do on your trip
- Le animo a que intente todo en este festival culturalI encourage you to try everything at this cultural festival
- Oye, amigo, ¡prueba todos estos bocadillos!Hey, buddy, try all these snacks!
- Debemos intentar todo para resolver el problema.We must try everything to solve the problem.
- Voy a intentar todo lo que me recomiendes.I am going to try everything that you recommend to me.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing how to fix a broken computer.
- Alejandro¿Qué podemos hacer con esta computadora?What can we do with this computer?
- LucíaTenemos que intentar todo antes de comprar otra.We have to try everything before buying another one.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía, no nos rindamos.You are right, Lucía, let's not give up.
- LucíaSí, voy a intentar todo lo posible hoy.Yes, I am going to try everything possible today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intentar, todo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
