When using esforzarse, remember it's a reflexive verb, so you'll always need a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) before the conjugated verb. For example, 'Me esfuerzo' means 'I make an effort.'
It's often followed by the preposition 'por' when you're striving for something or 'para' when you're striving to do something. For instance, 'Ella se esfuerza por el éxito' (She strives for success) or 'Nos esforzamos para aprender' (We strive to learn).
Exemplos por nível
Me esfuerzo en mis clases de español.
I make an effort in my Spanish classes.
Here 'esforzarse' is used with 'en' to indicate the area of effort.
Ella se esfuerza por aprender rápido.
She strives to learn quickly.
'Esforzarse por' is used when striving for an action (infinitive).
Nos esforzamos para terminar el proyecto.
We try hard to finish the project.
'Esforzarse para' is also used when striving for an action or goal.
¿Te esfuerzas en el trabajo?
Do you make an effort at work?
A simple question using 'esforzarse' in a daily context.
Ellos se esfuerzan mucho en el deporte.
They try very hard in sports.
'Mucho' (very) can be added to emphasize the degree of effort.
Yo me esfuerzo cada día.
I make an effort every day.
A straightforward sentence showing daily effort.
Él se esfuerza por ser mejor.
He strives to be better.
Again, 'esforzarse por' followed by an infinitive.
Se esfuerzan en la escuela.
They make an effort at school.
Similar to the first example, showing effort in a place or context.
Como usar
Esforzarse is a reflexive verb, so it always needs a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). It's followed by 'por' + infinitive or 'para' + infinitive, depending on the nuance. Use 'por' to mean 'to strive for' or 'to make an effort for' (e.g., Me esfuerzo por aprender español. - I make an effort to learn Spanish). Use 'para' when talking about the purpose or goal of the effort (e.g., Se esfuerzan para terminar el proyecto a tiempo. - They strive to finish the project on time).
A common mistake is forgetting the reflexive pronoun (e.g., *Esfuerzo por aprender* instead of Me esfuerzo por aprender). Another error is confusing 'por' and 'para'; remember 'por' for general effort/striving and 'para' for a specific goal or purpose. Also, make sure to conjugate it correctly for the subject (e.g., Yo me esfuerzo, Tú te esfuerzas, etc.).
Teste-se 6 perguntas
Para alcanzar sus sueños, uno debe ___ cada día con dedicación.
The sentence implies active pursuit of dreams, making 'esforzarse' (to strive) the correct fit.
Después de la derrota, el equipo prometió ___ más en el próximo partido para lograr la victoria.
The context of a team after a loss aiming for victory requires 'esforzarse' (to make an effort).
Ella tuvo que ___ mucho para superar los obstáculos académicos y graduarse con honores.
Overcoming academic obstacles and graduating with honors requires 'esforzarse' (to strive hard).
A pesar de las dificultades económicas, la familia siempre trató de ___ al máximo para salir adelante.
The phrase 'salir adelante' (to get ahead) in difficult economic times necessitates 'esforzarse' (to make an effort).
Los atletas deben ___ sin cesar en sus entrenamientos si quieren competir a nivel olímpico.
To compete at an Olympic level, athletes must 'esforzarse' (to strive) constantly in their training.
El éxito no llega solo; uno debe ___ constantemente y aprender de sus errores.
The idea that success requires continuous work and learning from mistakes points to 'esforzarse' (to try hard).
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
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