alentar
“alentar” means “to encourage” in Spanish (giving someone confidence or hope).
to encourage
Also: to cheer on, to inspire
📝 In Action
Mis padres siempre me alientan a seguir mis sueños.
A2My parents always encourage me to follow my dreams.
Miles de personas fueron al estadio para alentar a su equipo.
B1Thousands of people went to the stadium to cheer on their team.
Es importante alentar la curiosidad en los niños.
B2It is important to foster curiosity in children.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alentar
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'Yo' form in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'halare', meaning 'to breathe' or 'to exhale'. It evolved from the idea of 'giving breath' or 'giving spirit' to someone who is tired.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'animar' and 'alentar'?
They are very similar. 'Animar' is more common for 'cheering someone up' when they are sad, while 'alentar' often feels more about 'inspiring someone to keep going' or 'cheering at a sports event'.
Does 'alentar' ever mean 'to breathe'?
In very old literature or specific medical contexts, it can relate to breathing, but in modern everyday Spanish, it almost exclusively means to encourage or cheer.
Is the stem change used in the past tense?
No. The 'e to ie' change only happens in the present tense and the present subjunctive. In the preterite (past), it is regular: 'yo alenté', 'tú alentaste'.