What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the gerund intentando (trying) and the infinitive aprender (to learn).
Which one should you use?
While intentando aprender español focuses on the attempt or intention, the alternative tratando de aprender español is often used interchangeably in common speech to express the same effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of "trying" in the present tense, you use the auxiliary verb estar in its conjugated form (such as estoy) followed by the gerund intentando. If you choose to use the verb tratar instead of intentar, you must include the preposition de before the infinitive, forming tratando de aprender español.
How do you pronounce it?
/intentando apɾendeɾ espaɲol/
When do people say it?
If someone mentions they are trying to learn the language, a common and friendly response is ¡Buena suerte!, which means "Good luck!"
Did you know?
- The root of español may come from a Punic word meaning 'coast of hyraxes'. This ancient term referred to the animals found along the shores of the peninsula.
Examples in context
- Estoy intentando aprender español.I'm trying to learn Spanish.This sentence shows how to use intentando aprender español with the auxiliary verb estoy to express "I am trying to learn Spanish".Tatoeba #12885913 by ecorralest101, translation #12904659 by rul
- Estoy intentando aprender español para mi trabajo.I am trying to learn Spanish for my job.
- Estoy intentando aprender español como parte de mis estudios.I am trying to learn Spanish as part of my studies.
- Estoy intentando aprender español para comunicarme mejor con mis amigos hispanohablantes.I am trying to learn Spanish to better communicate with my Spanish-speaking friends.
- Estoy tratando de aprender español para viajar a países de habla hispana.I am trying to learn Spanish to travel to Spanish-speaking countries.
- Estoy intentando aprender español para ver películas sin subtítulos.I am trying to learn Spanish to watch movies without subtitles.
- Estoy tratando de aprender español para cantar canciones en español.I am trying to learn Spanish to sing songs in Spanish.
- Él sigue intentando aprender español con una app.He is still trying to learn Spanish with an app.
- Estamos intentando aprender español para el viaje.We are trying to learn Spanish for the trip.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking about their hobbies.
- JavierHola Sofía, ¿qué haces últimamente?Hi Sofía, what have you been doing lately?
- SofíaEstoy intentando aprender español con una app.I am trying to learn Spanish with an app.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Es un idioma muy bonito.That's great! It is a very beautiful language.
- SofíaSí, pero es difícil al principio.Yes, but it is difficult at the beginning.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprender, español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
