Introduction
One of the most common challenges for English speakers learning Spanish involves understanding the subtle but important difference between saying I’ll try and I’ll do it. These two expressions might seem similar on the surface, but they convey very different levels of commitment and certainty. In Spanish, the distinction becomes even more nuanced, with multiple ways to express each sentiment. Whether you’re preparing for a conversation with native speakers, taking a Spanish exam, or simply wanting to communicate more authentically, understanding these phrases will significantly improve your language skills and help you sound more like a native speaker.
Understanding the Core Difference
The fundamental difference between trying and doing lies in commitment and certainty. When you say you’ll try, you’re expressing effort without guaranteeing results. When you say you’ll do it, you’re making a promise or commitment to complete the task. This distinction matters greatly in Spanish culture, where directness and reliability in communication are valued. Native Spanish speakers pay close attention to these nuances, and using the wrong phrase can inadvertently send the wrong message about your confidence or dedication.
Saying I’ll Try in Spanish
The Most Common Expression: Intentaré
The most straightforward way to say I’ll try in Spanish is intentaré. This is the first-person future tense of the verb intentar, which means to try or to attempt. This expression works perfectly in most casual and formal situations.
Examples of usage:
Intentaré terminar el proyecto mañana. (I’ll try to finish the project tomorrow.)
Intentaré llamarte esta noche. (I’ll try to call you tonight.)
Alternative Expression: Trataré
Trataré is another popular way to express I’ll try, coming from the verb tratar. This is equally common in Spanish-speaking countries and often pairs with the preposition de (of) to mean I’ll try to do something.
Examples of usage:
Trataré de ayudarte con la tarea. (I’ll try to help you with the homework.)
Trataré de estar a tiempo. (I’ll try to be on time.)
The Subjunctive Option: Voy a Intentar
Voy a intentar is a slightly more informal and conversational way to say I’m going to try. The expression uses the near future tense and feels more immediate and natural in everyday speech.
Examples of usage:
Voy a intentar aprender a cocinar este fin de semana. (I’m going to try to learn to cook this weekend.)
Voy a intentar no comer dulces. (I’m going to try not to eat sweets.)
Expressing Effort with Haré Todo lo Posible
When you want to emphasize that you’ll make every effort, haré todo lo posible (I’ll do everything possible) is an excellent choice. This phrase shows stronger commitment than a simple try, suggesting you’ll go the extra mile.
Examples of usage:
Haré todo lo posible por conseguir las entradas. (I’ll do everything possible to get the tickets.)
Saying I’ll Do It in Spanish
The Direct Promise: Lo Haré
The most straightforward way to commit to doing something in Spanish is lo haré. The lo (it) is the direct object pronoun, and haré comes from the verb hacer (to do). This phrase is direct, clear, and leaves no room for doubt about your commitment.
Examples of usage:
Lo haré mañana sin falta. (I’ll do it tomorrow without fail.)
Lo haré ahora mismo. (I’ll do it right now.)
Stating Your Commitment: Voy a Hacerlo
Voy a hacerlo uses the near future tense to express immediate intention. This phrase conveys a strong sense of purpose and is commonly used when responding to requests or promises.
Examples of usage:
Voy a hacerlo, no te preocupes. (I’m going to do it, don’t worry.)
Voy a hacerlo esta tarde. (I’m going to do it this afternoon.)
Formal Commitment: Me Encargo De Ello
For more formal situations, me encargo de ello (I’ll take care of it) or simply me encargo demonstrates professional responsibility. The verb encargar means to put in charge or to entrust, making this phrase particularly useful in business contexts.
Examples of usage:
Me encargo de los detalles de la reunión. (I’ll take care of the meeting details.)
Me encargo de contactar a los clientes. (I’ll take care of contacting the clients.)
Comparing the Two in Context
Understanding how these expressions differ becomes clearer when you see them used in realistic conversations. Imagine your boss asks you to complete a report by Friday. If you respond with intentaré entregar el reporte el viernes (I’ll try to deliver the report Friday), you’re suggesting it might not happen. However, if you say lo haré el viernes (I’ll do it Friday), you’re making a clear commitment.
Similarly, if a friend asks you to help them move, saying voy a tratar de ayudarte (I’m going to try to help) leaves room for cancellation, while voy a ayudarte (I’m going to help) shows definite commitment. This distinction is particularly important in Hispanic cultures, where promises and commitments carry significant weight in personal and professional relationships.
Regional Variations and Usage
While intentaré and lo haré are understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, some regional preferences exist. In Mexico and Central America, voy a intentar and voy a hacerlo are extremely common in everyday speech. In Spain, both future tense forms and near future constructions are equally popular. In Argentina and other Southern Cone countries, the near future tense is particularly favored in casual conversation.
Understanding these regional patterns helps you adapt your speech to different contexts and Spanish-speaking communities. When traveling or communicating with people from specific regions, observing local speech patterns will make your Spanish sound more natural and culturally appropriate.
Cultural Considerations
In Spanish-speaking cultures, making promises you can’t keep carries more social weight than in some English-speaking contexts. Therefore, using the appropriate phrase demonstrates respect and cultural awareness. Saying you’ll try when you mean you’ll do it might be interpreted as lacking confidence. Conversely, saying you’ll do it when you’re uncertain could be seen as overconfident or unreliable if you don’t follow through.
This cultural emphasis on reliability makes it especially important to choose your words carefully. Native speakers will notice whether you use intentaré or lo haré, and your choice communicates something about your character and commitment level.
Practical Tips for Memory and Usage
To remember these distinctions, create mental associations. Think of intentar as describing effort with uncertain results, while hacer (to do) is about actual completion. When making a promise, use hacer or encargarme de. When you’re less certain, reach for intentar or tratar.
Practice these phrases in context rather than studying them in isolation. Listen to Spanish podcasts, watch Spanish films, and pay attention to how native speakers use these expressions. This immersion will help these distinctions become second nature rather than something you consciously think about.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error involves using haré or lo haré when expressing doubt. If you’re uncertain, don’t commit to the stronger form. Another mistake is overusing intentaré in professional or important contexts, which might make you sound uncommitted or unprepared. Additionally, avoid mixing the formal future tense with informal contexts where near future would be more natural, as this creates awkward speech patterns.
Many learners also forget that Spanish allows for direct object pronouns like lo in lo haré, which is more efficient and natural than saying voy a hacer eso (I’m going to do that). Mastering these pronoun uses will make your Spanish sound significantly more fluent.
Conclusion
The difference between saying I’ll try and I’ll do it in Spanish extends far beyond simple vocabulary. It reflects cultural values around commitment, reliability, and clear communication. By mastering intentaré, trataré, voy a intentar, lo haré, and voy a hacerlo, you gain the ability to communicate more authentically and avoid misunderstandings. Remember that context matters, regional variations exist, and your word choice communicates volumes about your confidence and character. As you continue your Spanish learning journey, pay attention to these nuances in real conversations, and your language skills will reach new levels of proficiency and cultural awareness.
