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Portuguese Phrase

Estou tentando bater meu recorde pessoal.

/isˈto tẽˈtɐ̃du baˈteʁ ˈmeu ʁeˈkoɾdʒi peʃoˈaw/
Meaning"I’m trying to beat my personal record."
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Meaning

This sentence means 'I’m trying to beat my personal record.' It conveys an ongoing effort to improve on a previous best, whether in sports, gaming, or any personal challenge.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you’re talking about a goal you’re actively working on, such as running a faster time, lifting heavier weights, achieving a higher score in a video game, or any situation where you want to surpass your own previous achievement.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Estoutentandobatermeurecordepessoal

1

Estar + gerúndio

The construction 'estou + gerúndio' forms the present progressive, indicating an ongoing action.

2

Gerúndio de 'tentar'

'tentando' is the gerund of 'tentar', meaning 'trying'.

3

Infinitivo após gerúndio

After a gerund of a verb of intention (like 'tentando'), the following verb stays in the infinitive.

4

Possessive adjective

'meu' agrees in gender and number with the noun 'recorde'.

5

Recorde pessoal

'recorde pessoal' means 'personal record' and is commonly used in sports and gaming.

🗨In Conversation

A

Você vai correr hoje?

Are you going to run today?

Sim, estou tentando bater meu recorde pessoal.

Yes, I’m trying to beat my personal record.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Sou tentando bater meu recorde pessoal.

    Use 'estou' (estar) for the progressive, not 'sou' (ser).

  • Estou tentar bater meu recorde pessoal.

    After 'estou' you need the gerund, not the infinitive.

  • Estou tentando bater o meu recorde pessoal.

    Both with and without the article are acceptable, but the version without 'o' sounds more natural in Brazil.

↔Alternatives

  • Estou tentando superar meu melhor tempo.

    I’m trying to surpass my best time.

  • Quero melhorar meu recorde pessoal.

    I want to improve my personal record.

  • Estou buscando bater meu recorde.

    I’m aiming to beat my record.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, 'recorde pessoal' is a popular expression in gyms, running clubs, and e‑sports. It’s informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation. When speaking to someone you don’t know well, you might soften it with 'estou tentando' rather than a more assertive 'vou bater'.