Continue tentando
Literally: Continue trying
Use it to warmly encourage someone to persist in any task, big or small.
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile phrase used to encourage persistence and effort.
- Combines 'continue' with the gerund 'trying' for active support.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, or anyone learning a new skill.
Meaning
This phrase is used to encourage someone to keep going or to persist in an effort, even if they haven't succeeded yet. It's the Portuguese equivalent of saying 'keep trying' or 'don't give up.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend learning a language
Seu português está melhorando, continue tentando!
Your Portuguese is improving, keep trying!
Texting a friend about a job search
Não desanime com esse 'não', continue tentando.
Don't get discouraged by this 'no', keep trying.
Professional feedback on a project
A ideia é boa, continue tentando ajustar os detalhes.
The idea is good, keep trying to adjust the details.
Cultural Background
The phrase embodies the 'jeitinho brasileiro' spirit of finding a way through persistence. It is a staple in Brazilian sports culture and education, emphasizing that success is a process rather than a single moment. It gained massive popularity in social media 'motivation' posts over the last decade.
The Brazilian Flow
In Brazil, we often drop the final 'o' in speech, so it sounds like 'tentand-u'. It makes you sound much more like a local!
Watch the Tone
If you say this too quickly or without a smile, it can sound impatient, like 'just keep trying and leave me alone.'
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile phrase used to encourage persistence and effort.
- Combines 'continue' with the gerund 'trying' for active support.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, or anyone learning a new skill.
What It Means
Continue tentando is your go-to phrase for encouragement. It combines the verb continuar (to continue) with the gerund tentando (trying). It’s simple, direct, and incredibly common. You use it when someone is struggling with a task. It shows you believe in their potential. It’s the verbal equivalent of a supportive pat on the back.
How To Use It
Using it is easy because it doesn't change much. You can say it as a standalone sentence. You can also add it to the end of a suggestion. For example: Você quase conseguiu, continue tentando! (You almost got it, keep trying!). In Brazil, we love the gerund -ando. It makes the action feel ongoing and active. It sounds much more natural than the more formal European Portuguese versions. Just drop it into conversation whenever someone is practicing a new skill.
When To Use It
Use it in almost any supportive context. At the gym when a friend is lifting weights. In the office when a colleague is learning new software. It’s perfect for texting a friend who is studying for exams. Use it at a restaurant if your friend is trying to use chopsticks for the first time. It’s a very positive, high-energy phrase. It builds bridges and shows you are an ally.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if someone is clearly frustrated or angry. If a friend just failed a major life event, it might sound dismissive. Avoid it in very tragic situations where 'trying' isn't the issue. Also, don't use it if you are being sarcastic. Saying continue tentando with a smirk can sound like 'keep dreaming.' Use a warm tone to ensure your kindness comes across clearly. Nobody likes a condescending cheerleader!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for being resilient and optimistic. We have a saying: 'O brasileiro não desiste nunca' (Brazilians never give up). Continue tentando reflects this national spirit of persistence. It’s not just about the result; it’s about the effort. It became even more common with the rise of self-help and fitness culture. It’s a phrase that celebrates the journey, not just the destination. It’s deeply rooted in our friendly, 'can-do' social fabric.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more informal, try Não desiste! (Don't give up!). For a more 'slangy' vibe, you might say Vai que dá! (Go for it, it'll work!). In Portugal, you would likely hear Continua a tentar. In Brazil, we prefer the flow of Continue tentando. You can also add sempre to make it Continue sempre tentando. This implies a lifelong commitment to growth. It’s a versatile little phrase that fits in your pocket.
Usage Notes
The phrase is extremely safe to use. In Brazil, the use of the gerund (`-ando`) is the standard way to express continuous action. Ensure you conjugate `continuar` to `continuem` if speaking to a group.
The Brazilian Flow
In Brazil, we often drop the final 'o' in speech, so it sounds like 'tentand-u'. It makes you sound much more like a local!
Watch the Tone
If you say this too quickly or without a smile, it can sound impatient, like 'just keep trying and leave me alone.'
The 'Persistence' Secret
Brazilians value effort. Even if you fail, saying you are 'tentando' (trying) earns you social points for not being lazy.
Examples
6Seu português está melhorando, continue tentando!
Your Portuguese is improving, keep trying!
A classic way to motivate a fellow learner.
Não desanime com esse 'não', continue tentando.
Don't get discouraged by this 'no', keep trying.
Provides emotional support during a tough time.
A ideia é boa, continue tentando ajustar os detalhes.
The idea is good, keep trying to adjust the details.
Constructive criticism in a work environment.
Você morreu de novo? Continue tentando, campeão!
You died again? Keep trying, champ!
A bit of playful teasing among friends.
Só mais uma repetição, continue tentando!
Just one more rep, keep trying!
High energy motivation for physical effort.
A matemática é difícil, mas continue tentando.
Math is hard, but keep trying.
Standard educational encouragement.
Test Yourself
Your friend is struggling to cook a new recipe. What do you say?
Está quase pronto! ___ tentando!
`Continue` is the imperative form needed to tell someone to keep going.
Complete the phrase with the correct gerund form.
Não pare agora, continue ___.
In Brazilian Portuguese, we use the gerund (-ando) after 'continue' to show ongoing action.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Continue tentando'
Used with close friends or family.
Vai lá, continua tentando!
The standard way to say it to anyone.
Continue tentando.
Used in professional emails or speeches.
Solicitamos que continue tentando o acesso.
Where to use 'Continue tentando'
Sports/Gym
Pushing for one last goal.
Learning
Mastering a new instrument.
Work
Solving a coding bug.
Dating
Trying to impress someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes, but they usually say Continua a tentar. The Brazilian version uses the gerund tentando directly.
You would say Continuem tentando. You just pluralize the first verb.
Yes, you can just say Continua! which implies 'keep going' or 'keep doing what you're doing.'
The opposite would be Pode parar (You can stop) or Desista (Give up), though the latter is very harsh.
Technically yes, but it’s almost always used for positive encouragement.
Yes, it comes from the verb tentar. It's very consistent in its meaning.
Yes, if a client is having trouble with a login, you can say Por favor, continue tentando.
Tentar is to attempt a task. Experimentar is to try a food or try on clothes.
Absolutely! It's one of the most common phrases parents and teachers use with children.
Related Phrases
Não desista
Don't give up
Força!
Stay strong / You can do it!
Vai dar certo
It will work out
Mantenha o foco
Stay focused
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free