empeñarse

Empeñarse is a Spanish verb, used reflexively, that expresses a strong determination to pursue a goal or to insist on doing something despite difficulties or opposition. The core sense is to be firmly intent and persistent, sometimes with a nuance of stubbornness. It is commonly followed by en + infinitive, as in empeñarse en hacer algo, or by en + noun when the action is specified: empeñarse en terminar, empeñarse en convencer.

The typical construction is se empeña en + infinitive or se empeña en + noun phrase. Examples: “Se empeña en terminar el informe a tiempo” or “Se empeña en aprender francés.” The nuance is not merely effort but a sustained resolve to achieve or insist on a course of action. The tone can be neutral, positive, or occasionally pejorative, depending on context.

Conjugation and grammar: empeñarse is a regular AR verb in the pronominal form. Present: me empeño, te empeñas, se empeña, nos empeñamos, os empeñáis, se empeñan. Preterite: me empeñé, te empeñaste, se empeñó, nos empeñamos, os empeñasteis, se empeñaron. Subjunctive present: me empeñe, te empeñes, se empeñe, nos empeñemos, os empeñéis, se empeñen. The verb is typically used with the reflexive pronoun and does not take a direct object.

Related terms: empeño (noun) can mean effort or determination, or a pawn; empeñar (non-reflexive) means to pawn or pledge something, which is a different sense from empeñarse.

See also: empeño, empeñar.