The Present Tense of Intentar is used to express actions or states that are happening right now or that occur habitually. For example, Intento aprender español. (I’m trying to learn Spanish.)

Intentar is a regular -ar verb, which means its conjugations follow the typical pattern for verbs ending in -ar in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Intentar generally means to try or attempt something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To try or attempt: For example, Intento aprender español todos los días (I try to learn Spanish every day).

To aim or strive for: For example, Intento ser una mejor persona (I aim to be a better person).

To make an effort: For example, Intento terminar mi tarea a tiempo (I make an effort to finish my homework on time).

To attempt to do something inappropriate or rude (colloquial): For example, ¿Intentas robarme? (Are you trying to steal from me?)

Examples

Examples of Intentar in the Present Tense

Siempre intento llegar temprano a mis citas. (I always try to arrive early for my appointments.)

Mi hermana intenta comer saludable la mayoría de los días. (My sister tries to eat healthy most days.)

¿Intentas hacer ejercicio con regularidad? (Do you try to exercise regularly?)

En la oficina, intentamos ser lo más productivos posible. (At the office, we try to be as productive as possible.)

Mis amigos intentan salir a caminar después del trabajo. (My friends try to go for a walk after work.)

Cuando viajo, intento probar la comida local. (When I travel, I try to try the local food.)

Los niños intentan aprender un nuevo idioma en la escuela. (The children try to learn a new language at school.)

Para mantenerse en forma, intento hacer ejercicio tres veces por semana. (To stay in shape, I try to exercise three times a week.)

¿Intentas ahorrar dinero para tus vacaciones? (Are you trying to save money for your vacation?)

En nuestra familia, intentamos pasar tiempo juntos los fines de semana. (In our family, we try to spend time together on weekends.)

Los atletas intentan mejorar su rendimiento constantemente. (Athletes try to constantly improve their performance.)

Mis compañeros de trabajo intentan ser amables con los clientes. (My coworkers try to be kind to customers.)

Cuando estoy estresado, intento hacer ejercicios de respiración. (When I’m stressed, I try to do breathing exercises.)

Los estudiantes intentan participar en clase. (Students try to participate in class.)

En mi tiempo libre, intento leer libros interesantes. (In my free time, I try to read interesting books.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Intentar (to try) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.