There are several different ways to translate the English verb “try” into Portuguese, so today we’re going to take a look at them.

1. tentar: try as in make an effort to do something

Vou tentar terminar o projeto logo. I’m going to try to finish the project soon.

Ele tentou entrar no site de novo. He tried to open the website again.

2. pretender: try in terms of intending to do something

Ela pretende ser médica. She intends to become a doctor.

Eles pretendem ir na festa. They intend to go to the party.

3. provar: try in terms of food or clothing

Provei o pernil e não gostei. I tried the pork and I didn’t like it.

Prove a camisa – é muito linda. Try the shirt on – it’s really pretty.

4. experimentar: also means to try in terms of food or clothing

Ela gosta de experimentar comidas diferentes. She likes to try different foods.

Elas estão experimentando os vestidos. They’re trying on the dresses.