Spanish Phrase
No, pero quiero intentarlo.
Meaning
Literally, "No, but I want to try it." The speaker declines an offer or suggestion while expressing a genuine desire to give it a go. The contrast introduced by "pero" softens the refusal and shows openness.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone proposes an activity, a food, a job, or any option you’re not ready to accept outright, but you’d like to attempt. It’s common in casual conversation, classroom role‑plays, and polite negotiations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Noperoquierointentarlo
Negación simple
"No" is the basic word for "no" and is placed before the clause it negates.
Conjunción adversativa
"pero" means "but" and links two contrasting ideas; it does not change the verb mood.
Verbo querer en presente
"quiero" is the first‑person singular present of "querer" (to want).
Infinitivo con clítico
"intentarlo" combines the infinitive "intentar" (to try) with the direct‑object pronoun "lo" (it), forming a single word.
🗨In Conversation
¿Te gustaría ir al karaoke esta noche?
Would you like to go to karaoke tonight?
No, pero quiero intentarlo.
No, but I want to try it.
✕Common Mistakes
No, pero quieres intentarlo.
The subject is "I", so the verb must be "quiero", not "quieres" (you want).
No, pero quiero intentar.
When the object is implied, you need the clitic "lo": "intentarlo".
No, pero que quiero intentarlo.
"pero" already means "but"; adding "que" creates a non‑standard construction.
↔Alternatives
No, sin embargo, me gustaría intentarlo.
No, however, I would like to try it.
No, aunque quiero intentarlo.
No, although I want to try it.
No, pero me gustaría intentarlo.
No, but I would like to try it.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures, a direct "no" can be perceived as too blunt. Adding "pero" or "aunque" softens the refusal and shows respect for the other person’s suggestion. The clitic "lo" in "intentarlo" is mandatory; omitting it sounds incomplete and is considered a beginner error.