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How to Say "relax" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forrelaxis relájateuse this command form when directly telling someone to reduce stress or tension, often in an informal context..

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relájate

VerbA2Informal
Use this command form when directly telling someone to reduce stress or tension, often in an informal context.

Examples

Estás muy estresado, relájate un poco.

You are very stressed, relax a little bit.

cálmate

VerbA1Informal
Use this command when advising someone to become less agitated or emotional, often to calm down from a state of distress.

Examples

¡Cálmate! No llores, el autobús llegará pronto.

Calm down! Don't cry, the bus will arrive soon.

tranquilízate

VerbA2Informal
Use this command to encourage someone to become calm and peaceful, especially when they are nervous or anxious.

Examples

¡Estás muy nervioso! Respira hondo y tranquilízate.

You are very nervous! Take a deep breath and calm down.

cálmese

VerbA2Formal
This is the formal command form used to tell someone (whom you address with 'usted') to calm down, often in a polite or professional setting.

Examples

Señora López, por favor, cálmese. No hay necesidad de gritar.

Mrs. López, please, calm down. There is no need to shout.

déjate

VerbB1Informal
Use this when suggesting someone should stop resisting and go with the flow or surrender to an experience.

Examples

Déjate llevar por el momento.

Let yourself be carried away by the moment (go with the flow).

Choosing between 'cálmate' and 'relájate'

Learners often confuse 'cálmate' and 'relájate'. While both can mean 'calm down' or 'relax', 'relájate' is more about general stress reduction, whereas 'cálmate' is specifically for reducing agitation or strong emotions like anger or worry.

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