imagínate
“imagínate” means “Imagine that” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Imagine that, Just think
Also: Wow, Can you believe it?
📝 In Action
Estuvimos esperando tres horas. ¡Imagínate!
B1We were waiting for three hours. Imagine that!
Imagínate que ganas la lotería, ¿qué harías primero?
B2Just think, you win the lottery, what would you do first?
Perdí el autobús, y luego, ¡imagínate!, empezó a llover a cántaros.
B1I missed the bus, and then, can you imagine!, it started pouring rain.
Imagine (it)
Also: Picture (it)
📝 In Action
Imagínate un mundo sin internet. ¿Cómo sería?
A2Imagine a world without internet. What would it be like?
Cierra los ojos e imagínate la playa.
A2Close your eyes and imagine the beach.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: imagínate
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of '¡Imagínate!' when used conversationally?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *imagināri*, meaning 'to form a mental picture' or 'to conceive.' The Spanish word 'imagínate' is simply the command form of the verb 'imaginar' combined with the familiar pronoun 'te'.
First recorded: The root verb *imaginar* has been in use since the early Romance languages developed.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'imagínate' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is needed because when you attach the pronoun 'te' to the two-syllable command 'imagina,' the natural stress of the word shifts. The accent on the second 'i' (imagÍnate) keeps the stress on the same syllable as in the original verb form 'imagina'.
When should I use 'imagínate' versus 'imagínese'?
Use 'imagínate' when speaking informally (with friends, family, or people you address as 'tú'). Use 'imagínese' when speaking formally (with strangers, elders, or professionals, where you would use 'usted').