Inklingo

How to Say "get going!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

muévete

MWEH-veh-teh/'mwe.βe.te/

Verb (Command form)A1Informal
Use this command to generally rush someone to start moving or hurry up in a casual context.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a small, friendly, round cartoon character taking a large, energetic first step forward on a simple, green path, clearly initiating movement.

Examples

¡Muévete! La película está a punto de empezar.

Move! The movie is about to start.

Por favor, muévete un poco para que yo pueda pasar.

Please, move a little so I can pass.

El entrenador gritó: «¡Muévete al balón, no esperes!»

The coach yelled: "Move towards the ball, don't wait!"

Command Form Structure

This word is a command addressed to 'tú' (you, informal). The small word 'te' is attached to the end of the verb 'mueve' because you are telling the person to move themselves (it's a reflexive action).

The Accent Mark

When you attach a pronoun (like 'te') to a command, you often need to add an accent mark ('é') to keep the original stress of the verb ('mueve' to 'muévete'). This is essential for correct pronunciation.

Forgetting the 'te'

Mistake: “Using only '¡Mueve!'”

Correction: Use '¡Muévete!' when telling a person to move their own body. 'Mueve' alone usually means 'Move [an object].'

Separating the Pronoun

Mistake: “Saying 'Te mueve'”

Correction: In affirmative commands, the pronoun 'te' must always stick to the end of the verb: 'Muévete.' (The separate form 'Te mueve' means 'He/She moves you.')

arranca

ah-RRAHN-kah/aˈraŋka/

VerbA2Informal
Use this command to tell someone to start moving quickly, often implying starting a vehicle or a journey.
A friendly person standing next to a lawnmower, giving a decisive thumbs-up gesture towards their friend, signaling them to start the machine.

Examples

¡Arranca, que vamos tarde!

Start (the car), we are late!

Arranca esa pegatina que está fea.

Pull off that sticker, it's ugly.

The 'Tú' Command

The friendly command form (tú imperative) for almost all '-ar' verbs is identical to the 'él/ella/usted' form in the present tense, which is why 'arranca' serves two purposes.

Using the wrong command form

Mistake: “Using 'arranque' when talking to a friend.”

Correction: Use 'arranca' for friends and family (tú). Reserve 'arranque' for formal situations (usted).

Arranca vs. Muévete

Learners often confuse 'arranca' and 'muévete' because both mean 'get going!'. Remember that 'arranca' is more specific to starting movement, especially a vehicle, while 'muévete' is a general command to hurry up or move.

Related Translations

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