Inklingo

How to Say "cheer up!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ánimo

interjectionA1informal
Use this as a general exclamation of encouragement when someone is feeling down, has failed at something, or is facing a difficulty.

Examples

¡Ánimo! Seguro que lo consigues la próxima vez.

Cheer up! I'm sure you'll achieve it next time.

alegra

ah-LEH-grah/aˈleɣra/

verb (command form)A1informal
Use this when you are directly telling a specific person (tú) to actively do something to make another person (or themselves) happy.
A smiling person gently pats the shoulder of a sad, slumped person, offering encouragement to lift their spirits.

Examples

Mamá está triste, ¡alegra a tu hermanita!

Mom is sad, cheer up your little sister!

¡Alegra a tu abuela, que está un poco triste!

Cheer up your grandmother, she is a little sad!

¡Alegra esa cara y ven a bailar!

Cheer up that face and come dance!

The 'Tú' Command Trick

When you tell a friend to do something now, the command form for regular -AR verbs ('alegra') looks exactly like the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form of the verb.

Telling Yourself to Cheer Up

To command someone to cheer themselves up, you attach the pronoun 'te' to the end: ¡Alégrate! (Cheer yourself up!). Note the accent mark shift.

Interjection vs. Command

The most common mistake is using 'alegra' as a general exclamation. Remember, 'alegra' is a direct command to *make* someone feel happier, while 'ánimo' is just a general 'hang in there!' or 'chin up!'

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