Portuguese Phrase
Tento me manter positivo.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I try to keep myself positive.’ It expresses a personal effort to stay optimistic, especially when facing challenges or stressful situations.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to talk about your mindset, self‑care routines, or when you’re explaining how you deal with difficulties. It works in casual conversation, journal entries, or motivational talks.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tentomemanterpositivo.
Tento (verbo tentar)
‘Tento’ is the first‑person singular present indicative of ‘tentar’, meaning ‘I try’ or ‘I attempt’.
me (pronome reflexivo)
The reflexive pronoun ‘me’ indicates that the action of the verb is directed back at the subject – ‘myself’.
manter (infinitivo)
‘Manter’ is an infinitive verb meaning ‘to keep, to maintain’. When combined with a reflexive pronoun it means ‘to keep oneself …’.
positivo (adjetivo)
‘Positivo’ is an adjective meaning ‘positive, optimistic’. It agrees in gender and number with the subject (masculine singular here).
Posição do pronome
In European Portuguese the clitic can be placed after the verb (tento‑me), while in Brazilian Portuguese it is usually placed before (tento me). Both are correct.
🗨In Conversation
Como você está lidando com o novo projeto?
How are you dealing with the new project?
Tento me manter positivo e focado nos resultados.
I try to keep myself positive and focused on the results.
✕Common Mistakes
Tento me manter positivo.
In European Portuguese the clitic is usually attached after the verb (tento‑me). Both forms are accepted, but avoid mixing styles in the same sentence.
Tento ser positivo.
‘Ser’ describes a permanent trait, while ‘manter’ conveys an ongoing effort. Use ‘manter’ for a deliberate, temporary action.
Tento mantém positivo.
‘Mantém’ is third‑person singular; the correct infinitive after ‘tento’ is ‘manter’.
↔Alternatives
Procuro manter‑me positivo.
I try to stay positive.
Esforço‑me para ficar otimista.
I make an effort to stay optimistic.
Busco ser positivo todos os dias.
I aim to be positive every day.
Cultural Tip
Positivity (otimismo) is a common theme in Brazilian self‑help culture. People often share ‘mantras’ or short phrases like this on social media to inspire friends. In formal settings, you might hear a more measured version such as ‘Esforço‑me para manter uma postura otimista’.