Inklingo

How to Say "to strive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

esforzar

es-for-saresforˈθar

verbA2general
Use 'esforzar' when you want to emphasize the hard work and dedication put into achieving a goal, often implying significant personal effort.
A small child pushing a large, heavy wooden crate across a wooden floor.

Examples

Me esfuerzo mucho por aprender español cada día.

I make a big effort to learn Spanish every day.

Si te esfuerzas, conseguirás el trabajo.

If you try hard, you will get the job.

Ellos se esforzaron por terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

They strove to finish the project on time.

The Root Change

In most present forms, the 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue'. Think of it like the word 'boot'—the change happens in all forms except 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).

The Z to C Swap

To keep the pronunciation sounding like an 's', the letter 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it is followed by an 'e', like in 'esforcé' or 'esfuerce'.

Usually Reflexive

When talking about a person trying hard, we almost always use the reflexive 'se' (esforzarse). You 'effort yourself' in Spanish!

Don't forget the 'se'

Mistake: “Yo esfuerzo mucho.”

Correction: Me esfuerzo mucho. You must include the pronoun (me, te, se, nos) when you are the one making the effort.

Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “Me esfuerzo en aprender.”

Correction: Usually 'Me esfuerzo por aprender'. While 'en' is sometimes used, 'por' is much more common when showing the reason or goal of your effort.

procurar

pro-koo-RARpɾokuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'procurar' to indicate trying or making an effort to accomplish something, often a specific task or action, with an emphasis on the intention to succeed.
A child reaching for a high shelf with a look of determination.

Examples

Procura llegar a tiempo a la reunión.

Try to arrive on time to the meeting.

Debemos procurar que todos los invitados se sientan cómodos.

We must ensure that all the guests feel comfortable.

Procuré no hacer ruido al entrar en la casa.

I tried not to make noise when entering the house.

Using 'que' with Procurar

When you say 'procurar que' (to ensure that), the verb that follows must change its form to the 'wish/command' style (subjunctive). For example: 'Procuro que coma' (I ensure that he eats).

Direct Action vs. Goal

Use 'procurar' + an action word (infinitive) to say you are trying to do something yourself. Use 'procurar que' when you want to make sure something else happens.

Don't add 'de'

Mistake: “Procuro de estudiar mucho.”

Correction: Procuro estudiar mucho. Unlike 'tratar de', 'procurar' connects directly to the next verb.

luchar

loo-CHARluˈʧaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'luchar' when the effort involves a significant struggle, a prolonged fight, or a campaign for a cause, implying overcoming obstacles.
A determined figure pushing with all their might against a gigantic, rough, gray boulder that is resisting movement, illustrating great effort.

Examples

Mi abuela luchó toda su vida por la igualdad de las mujeres.

My grandmother struggled/campaigned her entire life for women's equality.

Luchamos contra la corrupción en el gobierno.

We are fighting against corruption in the government.

Tienes que luchar por tus sueños.

You have to strive/fight for your dreams.

Using 'Por' vs. 'Contra'

Mistake: “Luchamos a favor los derechos (We fight in favor the rights)”

Correction: Luchamos por los derechos. Use 'luchar por' when striving for a goal, and 'luchar contra' when opposing something.

Effort vs. Struggle

Learners often confuse 'esforzar' and 'luchar'. Remember that 'esforzar' is about putting in effort and working hard, while 'luchar' implies a more intense struggle against difficulties or for a cause.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.