Portuguese Phrase
Vamos tentar de novo.
Meaning
Literally “We go to try again”, this phrase is the standard way to say “Let’s try again”. It conveys a friendly, inclusive invitation to repeat an activity after a failure or interruption.
When to use
Use it right after something didn’t work out – a game, a conversation, a cooking attempt, a language exercise, etc. It is informal to neutral and works in most everyday situations, from classrooms to casual chats.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamostentardenovo.
Vamos + infinitive
The verb *ir* in the first‑person plural present (vamos) combined with an infinitive forms a periphrastic construction meaning “let’s …”. It expresses a suggestion that includes the speaker.
tentar
Infinitive of the verb “to try”. In this construction it keeps its infinitive form because the action is driven by the periphrastic “vamos”.
de novo
A fixed adverbial phrase meaning “again”. It can be replaced by “novamente” (more formal) or “outra vez” (colloquial).
Punctuation
The period is not spoken; in spoken Portuguese the sentence ends with a rising‑falling intonation that signals a collective invitation.
🗨In Conversation
Não consegui abrir a porta.
I couldn't open the door.
Vamos tentar de novo.
Let's try again.
✕Common Mistakes
Vou tentar de novo.
Use *vou* (first‑person singular) only when you are speaking about yourself. *Vamos* is needed for the inclusive “let’s”.
Vamos tentar de novo?
When you intend a suggestion, keep the statement form. Adding a question mark turns it into a polite request, which is acceptable but changes the tone.
Vamos tentar de novo outra vez.
The phrase *de novo* already means “again”; adding *outra vez* is redundant.
↔Alternatives
Vamos tentar outra vez.
Let's try another time.
Vamos fazer outra tentativa.
Let's make another attempt.
Tentemos novamente.
Let's try again.
Vamos tentar mais uma vez.
Let's try once more.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, *de novo* is the most common way to say “again”. *Novamente* sounds a bit more formal and is often heard in news reports or academic speech. The inclusive *vamos* is a hallmark of Brazilian friendliness – it invites the listener to act together, not just to follow a command.