Forgetting the 'a'

When you are encouraging a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before their name or the word for them. For example: 'Animo a María' (I encourage Maria).

The 'Personal A'

When you encourage someone TO DO something, use the pattern: animar + person + a + infinitive (base verb). Example: 'Te animo a participar' (I encourage you to participate).

Connecting to Actions

In Spanish-speaking countries, you don't 'root' or 'cheer' for a team; you 'animas' the team!

Use it for sports

Very common in daily conversation and writing.

Using 'animar' for physical moving

When 'animar' is used for a place or a party, it doesn't need the 'personal a' because you are talking about things, not people.

Liven up vs. Encourage

Think of 'animation.' When you 'animar' a drawing, you are giving it 'life' (anima).

The Cartoon Connection

Common in social contexts and when discussing events.

They are very similar! 'Animar' is more common in daily speech, while 'alentar' (from 'aliento' meaning breath) can sound slightly more formal or poetic.

Yes! It follows the standard rules for all -ar verbs in every tense.

Usually, the reflexive form 'animarse' means 'to finally decide to do something' or 'to dare'. For example: 'Me animé a saltar' (I finally dared to jump).

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'animar'. Includes definitions for encouraging people, livening up parties, and animation, with full conjugation tables.

Animar | Spanish Meaning, Conjugation & Examples

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animar

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subjunctive

imperfect

present

imperative

negative

affirmative

indicative

conditional

preterite

imperfect

present

future

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