Inklingo

How to Say "get up!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arriba

ah-RREE-bahaˈriβa

InterjectionA2Informal
Use '¡Arriba!' as an interjection to wake someone up, encourage a group to start moving, or to cheer them on.
A child with a wide smile, raising both arms high above their head in an enthusiastic cheering gesture.

Examples

¡Arriba, dormilón! El sol ya salió.

Get up, sleepyhead! The sun is already out.

¡Arriba, equipo, que podemos ganar!

Come on, team, we can win!

¡Arriba, dormilón! Ya son las diez.

Get up, sleepyhead! It's already ten o'clock.

¡Arriba ese ánimo! Todo va a estar bien.

Cheer up! (Literally: Up with that spirit!) Everything is going to be okay.

levanta

leh-VAHN-tahleˈβanta

VerbA1Informal
Use '¡Levanta!' as a direct command (tú form) telling someone to physically lift themselves or an object.
One simple character is pointing decisively at a heavy object, instructing a second character to lift it. The second character is positioned to begin the lifting motion.

Examples

¡Levanta de la silla y ven a ayudarme!

Get up from the chair and come help me!

¡Levanta esa silla y ponla aquí!

Lift that chair and put it here!

¡Levanta, ya es de día!

Get up, it's already daytime!

Affirmative Commands

For positive commands directed at 'tú' (you, informal), the verb uses the exact same form as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense. This is the simplest command form!

Adding Pronouns Incorrectly

Mistake: “Saying 'Se levanta' when giving a command.”

Correction: When giving a positive command to get up, the 'te' pronoun attaches to the end: '¡Levántate!'. 'Levanta' is only for lifting an object or the simple command 'Get up!'

Interjection vs. Verb Command

Learners often confuse '¡Arriba!' and '¡Levanta!' by using the interjection when a direct physical command is needed. Remember, '¡Arriba!' is for waking/encouraging, while '¡Levanta!' is a direct command to rise or lift.

Related Translations

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