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.
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[...] The verb pretender is actually a false cognate for English speakers, because it does not mean pretend in the sense of faking or acting. In Portuguese, it means to try or to intend to. [...]