estuve intentando

I was trying

→ estar

phrase Rare #46,152

I was trying The preterite of estar plus a gerund describes an attempt that continued over a specific period in the past. It can also be translated as “I tried,” depending on context.

SP: Estuve intentando llamarte toda la tarde.

EN: I was trying to call you all afternoon.

Estuve intentando bajar un poco de peso.

I was trying to lose a little weight.

Estuve intentando por media hora.

I was trying for half an hour.

— No se lo digas a nadie (2006)

Estuve intentando arreglar la puerta toda la mañana sin conseguir que cerrara bien del todo.

I spent all morning trying to fix the door without getting it to close properly.

Estuve intentando comunicarme con alguien todo el tiempo.

I was trying to communicate with someone the whole time.

— Sin piedad (2026)