Tentar

The Portuguese verb tentar is a fundamental pillar of the language, primarily translating to the English verb 'to try' or 'to attempt.' At its core, it signifies the application of effort, intention, or energy toward achieving a specific goal, regardless of whether that goal is eventually attained. In the landscape of European and Brazilian Portuguese, 'tentar' is the go-to word for expressing the act of making an effort. It is a regular '-ar' verb, making it one of the first verbs learners master due to its predictable conjugation patterns and high frequency in daily conversation. When you use 'tentar,' you are describing the process of trial, the initiation of an action, or the struggle against a challenge. It encompasses everything from a small, mundane effort like trying to open a jar to a life-altering endeavor like trying to start a new career in a foreign country.

Core Concept

The initiation of an action with the intent to succeed, emphasizing the effort rather than the result.

In social contexts, 'tentar' is used to show willingness. If someone asks you to perform a task that seems difficult, saying 'Vou tentar' (I will try) strikes a balance between commitment and the acknowledgment of potential failure. It is less definitive than 'Vou fazer' (I will do) but more proactive than 'Não sei se consigo' (I don't know if I can). This nuance is crucial in Portuguese culture, where politeness often involves avoiding direct refusals. By using 'tentar,' speakers can manage expectations while still demonstrating a positive attitude. The word also appears frequently in psychological and motivational contexts, where the act of trying is often celebrated as a virtue in itself, reflecting the cultural value placed on persistence and resilience.

Furthermore, 'tentar' can sometimes carry a connotation of temptation, though this is more common in its noun form 'tentação' or in specific literary contexts. In everyday speech, however, the 'effort' meaning dominates. It is important to distinguish 'tentar' from 'experimentar.' While both can be 'to try' in English, 'tentar' is for actions and efforts (trying to run a marathon), whereas 'experimentar' is for testing or sampling (trying a new food or trying on clothes). Understanding this distinction is a hallmark of moving from a beginner to an intermediate level. If you tell a waiter you want to 'tentar o frango,' they might think you are going to attempt to wrestle the chicken rather than taste it!

Common Usage

Used in 85% of cases followed directly by an infinitive verb (e.g., tentar fazer, tentar ir, tentar falar).

In professional environments, 'tentar' is used to describe problem-solving processes. Engineers 'tentam' find a bug in the code; doctors 'tentam' stabilize a patient; and teachers 'tentam' explain complex concepts to students. It implies a methodology of trial and error. In the digital age, we 'tentamos' log into websites or 'tentamos' fix our Wi-Fi connections. The versatility of 'tentar' makes it indispensable. It is not just a verb; it is a reflection of the human condition—the constant drive to overcome obstacles. Whether you are a child 'tentando' walk for the first time or a scientist 'tentando' cure a disease, this word captures the essence of that endeavor.

Register Note

Neutral register. Appropriate for both formal business meetings and casual conversations with friends.

Finally, 'tentar' is often paired with adverbs to specify the intensity or frequency of the effort. You can 'tentar arduamente' (try hard), 'tentar novamente' (try again), or 'tentar em vão' (try in vain). These combinations allow for a high degree of descriptive precision. In Portuguese literature, the theme of the 'eterno tentar' (eternal trying) is a common trope, symbolizing the nobility of the struggle against fate. For a learner, mastering 'tentar' is more than just learning a verb; it is about learning how to express the very act of learning itself—because every time you speak a new sentence in Portuguese, you are, quite literally, 'tentando' communicate in a new world.

Using tentar correctly involves understanding its grammatical relationship with other words, primarily verbs. The most common structure is tentar + [infinitive]. Unlike English, which requires the particle 'to' (to try *to* do), or Spanish, which often uses 'de' (tratar *de* hacer), Portuguese typically links 'tentar' directly to the following verb. For example, 'I try to study' becomes 'Eu tento estudar.' This direct connection makes it syntactically simpler than many other verbs, but it is a common point of confusion for those coming from other Romance languages who might be tempted to insert a preposition where none is needed.

Grammar Rule

Directly followed by an infinitive. No preposition is required in standard modern Portuguese.

When 'tentar' is used with a noun, it means 'to attempt something.' For instance, 'tentar um golpe' (to attempt a coup) or 'tentar a sorte' (to try one's luck). In these cases, 'tentar' acts as a standard transitive verb. It is also important to note the conjugation in different tenses. As a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the pattern of 'falar' or 'estudar.' In the present tense: eu tento, tu tentas, ele/ela/você tenta, nós tentamos, eles/elas/vocês tentam. In the past (pretérito perfeito): eu tentei, você tentou, nós tentamos, eles tentaram. The consistency of these endings makes 'tentar' a reliable verb for learners to use across various timeframes without fear of irregular surprises.

Another interesting aspect is the use of 'tentar' in the imperative. When you want to encourage someone, you might say 'Tente!' (Try! - formal/você) or 'Tenta!' (Try! - informal/tu). In Brazil, 'Tenta' is widely used even in semi-formal situations. It is often followed by 'mais uma vez' (one more time) to provide encouragement. Conversely, in negative constructions, 'Não tente' is a common warning, often seen on signs like 'Não tente abrir' (Do not attempt to open). The placement of the negative 'não' directly before the verb is straightforward and follows standard Portuguese negation rules.

Sentence Pattern

[Subject] + [Conjugated Tentar] + [Infinitive Verb] + [Complement].

For more advanced usage, 'tentar' can be used in the subjunctive mood to express doubt, desire, or hypothetical situations. For example, 'Espero que você tente' (I hope you try) or 'Se eu tentasse, conseguiria' (If I tried, I would succeed). The imperfect subjunctive 'tentasse' is particularly useful for discussing regrets or alternative realities. Additionally, 'tentar' can be used reflexively in some dialects or poetic contexts, though 'esforçar-se' is the more common reflexive verb for 'to exert oneself.' When 'tentar' is used with the gerund (tentando), it describes an ongoing effort: 'Estou tentando entender' (I am trying to understand). This is a very common way to express frustration or focus in the moment.

Negative Form

[Subject] + não + [Conjugated Tentar] + [Infinitive]. Example: Eu não tento mais.

In summary, the key to using 'tentar' effectively is to remember its direct nature. Don't overcomplicate it with prepositions. Whether you are speaking about the past, present, or future, 'tentar' remains a sturdy and straightforward tool. It allows you to communicate the very human experience of striving. By practicing its conjugation and pairing it with various infinitives, you will quickly find that it is one of the most versatile verbs in your Portuguese repertoire, applicable in almost every conversation you will have.

The word tentar is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world. You will hear it in the bustling streets of São Paulo, the historic alleys of Lisbon, and the coastal towns of Luanda. Its frequency is high because it covers a basic human action. In a typical day, a Portuguese speaker might use 'tentar' dozens of times. In the morning, you might hear someone say, 'Vou tentar acordar mais cedo amanhã' (I'll try to wake up earlier tomorrow). In the office, a colleague might remark, 'Tentei enviar o e-mail, mas o servidor caiu' (I tried to send the email, but the server went down). It is the language of effort, excuses, and expectations.

Daily Life

Commonly heard in kitchens ('Tentei seguir a receita'), gyms ('Tente levantar mais peso'), and public transport ('Tentei pegar o ônibus das oito').

In the media, 'tentar' is a staple of news reporting. Journalists often use it to describe government actions or criminal investigations: 'O governo tenta conter a inflação' (The government tries to contain inflation) or 'A polícia tenta localizar o suspeito' (The police are trying to locate the suspect). It is also prevalent in sports commentary. When a striker misses a goal, the commentator might say, 'Ele tentou o chute de longe' (He tried the shot from a distance). In this context, 'tentar' highlights the player's intent and the difficulty of the action, adding drama to the broadcast. It frames the narrative of the game as a series of attempts and outcomes.

In the realm of Brazilian Telenovelas and Portuguese soaps, 'tentar' is used to express emotional struggle. Characters often say things like 'Eu tentei te esquecer' (I tried to forget you) or 'Não tente me enganar' (Don't try to deceive me). Here, the verb takes on a more heavy, dramatic weight. It signifies internal conflict and interpersonal dynamics. Music is another place where 'tentar' shines. Countless Bossa Nova and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) songs feature the word, often in the context of trying to find love or trying to explain the complexities of the heart. The soft 't' and the nasal 'en' sounds of 'tentar' fit beautifully into the melodic structures of the Portuguese language.

Media & Entertainment

Frequent in movie titles, song lyrics, and news headlines involving diplomacy or conflict resolution.

In technology and customer service, 'tentar' is part of the standard vocabulary. Automated messages might say, 'Tente novamente mais tarde' (Try again later) if a call cannot be completed. When you call a help desk, the technician will likely say, 'Vamos tentar reiniciar o aparelho' (Let's try restarting the device). In these scenarios, 'tentar' is functional and procedural. It guides the user through a series of steps. Even in academic settings, professors encourage students by saying, 'Tente resolver este problema sozinho' (Try to solve this problem by yourself), emphasizing the importance of the learning process over the immediate correct answer.

Professional Context

Used in project management to discuss 'tentativas' (attempts) and 'provas de conceito' (proofs of concept).

Finally, 'tentar' is heard in the most intimate of settings—parents talking to children. 'Tenta comer só mais um pouquinho' (Try to eat just a little bit more) or 'Tenta amarrar os sapatos sozinho' (Try to tie your shoes by yourself). It is a word of growth and encouragement. Because it is so deeply embedded in the fabric of life, from the most mundane tasks to the most significant life events, 'tentar' is a word you won't just hear; you will feel its presence in every interaction. It is the heartbeat of Portuguese perseverance.

One of the most frequent stumbling blocks for English speakers learning Portuguese is the confusion between tentar, experimentar, and provar. In English, the word 'try' is a catch-all term. You try to run, you try a new pizza, and you try on a shirt. In Portuguese, these are three distinct actions. If you use 'tentar' when you mean 'experimentar,' you will likely be understood, but it will sound very unnatural. For example, saying 'Vou tentar esta pizza' implies you are going to make an effort to do something with the pizza (perhaps lift it or fix it), rather than eat it to see if you like it. For food, 'provar' or 'experimentar' are the correct choices.

Mistake #1: The Food Trap

Using 'tentar' for tasting food. Correct: 'Vou provar o bolo' or 'Vou experimentar o bolo'.

Another common error is the 'Preposition Addiction.' Many learners, especially those who speak Spanish or French, want to put 'de' or 'a' after 'tentar.' They might say 'Eu tento de falar' (incorrect) instead of 'Eu tento falar' (correct). While 'tentar de' was used historically and can still be found in some regional dialects or very old literature, in modern standard Portuguese—both in Brazil and Portugal—the verb is followed directly by the infinitive. Adding a preposition is a clear sign of a non-native speaker and can disrupt the flow of your sentence. It's a hard habit to break, but essential for sounding natural.

The third major mistake involves the difference between 'tentar' and 'testar.' 'Testar' is used when you are testing a hypothesis, a machine, or a piece of software. If you say 'Vou tentar o computador,' it sounds like you are going to try to use it or try to fix it. If you mean you are going to run a diagnostic or see if it works, you should use 'Vou testar o computador.' This distinction is particularly important in technical and professional settings. Using the wrong verb can lead to confusion about whether you are making an effort to perform a task or evaluating the functionality of a tool.

Mistake #2: Clothing

Using 'tentar' to try on clothes. Correct: 'Vou experimentar esta camisa'.

Learners also often struggle with the reflexive form. In English, we don't 'try ourselves' at something, but in Portuguese, some might try to translate 'I am trying hard' as 'Estou me tentando' (incorrect). The correct way to say you are exerting yourself is 'Estou me esforçando.' 'Tentar' is almost never reflexive in modern Portuguese. If you use it reflexively, you might accidentally say you are 'tempting yourself,' which has a completely different meaning related to desire or sin. Stick to the non-reflexive 'Estou tentando' for 'I am trying.'

Mistake #3: Preterite vs Imperfect

Confusing 'tentei' (I tried once/specific time) with 'tentava' (I used to try/was trying). This is a general past tense issue but very common with 'tentar'.

Lastly, avoid using 'tentar' to mean 'to deal with' or 'to handle.' In English, we might say 'I'll try to handle that.' In Portuguese, you would use 'tratar de' or 'lidar com.' If you say 'Vou tentar isso,' it just means you will make an attempt at it, not necessarily manage or take care of it. Precision in verb choice is what separates a fluent speaker from a perpetual learner. By being mindful of these common pitfalls—food, prepositions, testing, and reflexivity—you will use 'tentar' with the confidence and accuracy of a native speaker.

While tentar is the most common way to express 'to try,' the Portuguese language offers a rich palette of alternatives that can add nuance and precision to your speech. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about effort, intention, testing, or tasting—different verbs might be more appropriate. Understanding these synonyms and their specific registers will help you avoid repetition and express yourself more clearly. The most important alternative is esforçar-se, which specifically emphasizes the internal struggle and the amount of energy being expended. While 'tentar' is about the attempt, 'esforçar-se' is about the sweat.

Tentar vs. Esforçar-se

'Tentar' is the action of trying; 'Esforçar-se' is the act of putting in great effort. Example: 'Tentei correr' (I tried to run) vs. 'Esforcei-me para correr' (I pushed myself to run).

Another useful alternative is procurar. While its primary meaning is 'to look for' or 'to search,' in many contexts, it means 'to try' or 'to seek to.' For example, 'Procure chegar cedo' means 'Try to arrive early.' It sounds slightly more formal and intentional than 'Tente chegar cedo.' Similarly, pretender means 'to intend' or 'to aim.' If you say 'Pretendo viajar,' you are saying you try or plan to travel. It removes the element of potential failure often associated with 'tentar' and focuses on the goal. In professional settings, 'pretender' is often preferred over 'tentar' because it sounds more decisive.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter intentar or diligenciar. 'Intentar' is often used in legal language, such as 'intentar uma ação judicial' (to file a lawsuit). 'Diligenciar' means to act with diligence to achieve something. These are not words you would use at a barbecue, but you will see them in contracts or academic papers. On the more casual side, arriscar (to risk) can be a synonym for 'tentar' when the attempt involves a chance of loss or danger. 'Vou arriscar um palpite' (I'll try/risk a guess) is a common idiomatic expression.

Tentar vs. Experimentar

Use 'Tentar' for actions (trying to swim). Use 'Experimentar' for objects or experiences (trying a new hobby, trying a dress).

In the context of arts or performance, ensaiar (to rehearse/to try out) is used. If a musician is 'tentando' a new piece, they are making an effort to play it. If they are 'ensaiando,' they are practicing it systematically. Finally, there is the phrase dar uma chance (to give a chance), which is often used as a synonym for 'try' when referring to people or opportunities. 'Dê uma chance ao novo estagiário' (Try/Give a chance to the new intern). By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you not only sound more like a native speaker but also gain the ability to convey the exact type of 'trying' you mean.

Summary Table

- Effort: Esforçar-se
- Intent: Procurar / Pretender
- Taste/Test: Experimentar / Provar
- Risk: Arriscar
- Rehearse: Ensaiar

Mastering these synonyms allows you to navigate the nuances of the Portuguese language with grace. Whether you are 'tentando' to learn the basics or 'esforçando-se' to achieve fluency, having these words in your toolkit will make your journey much smoother and more expressive.