imagínate
/ee-mah-HEE-nah-tay/
Imagine that
When used as an interjection, imagínate means "Imagine that!" or "Wow!" and expresses surprise or wonder.
imagínate(Interjection)
Imagine that
?Expressing surprise or wonder
,Just think
?Introducing a strong hypothetical example
Wow
?Simple expression of amazement
,Can you believe it?
?Seeking confirmation of shared astonishment
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
A Fixed Phrase
Even though 'imagínate' comes from a verb, in this context, it acts like a single word that starts a sentence or stands alone to show surprise, much like 'Wow' or 'Just think' in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Formal Form
Mistake: "Using 'imagínese' (the formal command) when speaking casually with friends."
Correction: 'Imagínate' is the standard informal, friendly way to use this phrase. Use 'imagínese' only in formal situations.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis and Storytelling
Use 'imagínate' right before or after sharing the most unbelievable part of a story to draw the listener in and emphasize the shock factor.
As a command, imagínate means "Imagine (it)" or "Visualize this."
imagínate(Verb)
Imagine (it)
?Direct instruction to visualize
Picture (it)
?Asking someone to form a mental image
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
How 'Imagínate' is Built
'Imagínate' is the informal command ('tú' form) of the verb 'imaginar' (imagina), with the pronoun 'te' (you/yourself) attached directly to the end. The accent mark is added to keep the stress on the correct syllable.
Attaching Pronouns to Commands
When you give a positive command (like 'imagina'), you stick the pronouns (like 'lo', 'la', or 'te') right onto the end of the verb, making it one long word.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: imagínate
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of '¡Imagínate!' when used conversationally?
📚 More Resources
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').