Spanish Phrase
Intento meditar un rato.
Meaning
This phrase expresses the intention or effort to engage in meditation for a short period. It combines the verb 'intentar' (to try) with the infinitive 'meditar' to describe a personal goal or wellness habit.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about your daily routine, mental health practices, or when you are taking a break to clear your mind. It is suitable for both casual and semi-formal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Intentomeditarunrato
Intentar (Present Tense)
'Intento' is the first-person singular present form of 'intentar', meaning 'I try' or 'I attempt'.
Un rato
This is a common idiomatic expression used to denote an unspecified, usually short, period of time.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes planes para esta tarde?
Do you have plans for this afternoon?
Intento meditar un rato antes de cenar.
I'm trying to meditate for a while before dinner.
✕Common Mistakes
Intento de meditar un rato.
The verb 'intentar' should be followed directly by the infinitive; do not add the preposition 'de' as you would with the verb 'tratar'.
Intento meditar por un rato.
While technically understood, it is more natural in Spanish to use 'un rato' directly without a preposition to express duration.
↔Alternatives
Trato de meditar un poco.
I try to meditate a bit.
Voy a meditar un ratito.
I am going to meditate for a little while.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'un rato' is a flexible term for time. Using the diminutive 'un ratito' can make the request for time sound more polite or the duration seem even shorter and less intrusive.