How to Say "to animate" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to animate” is “animar” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB1
verbB1
as in cartoons or 3D models
Examples
Necesitamos buena música para animar la fiesta.
We need good music to liven up the party.
Unas flores animarían mucho esta habitación gris.
Some flowers would really brighten up this gray room.
Walt Disney fue uno de los primeros en animar dibujos.
Walt Disney was one of the first to animate drawings.
Liven up vs. Encourage
When 'animar' is used for a place or a party, it doesn't need the 'personal a' because you are talking about things, not people.
Using 'animar' for physical moving
Mistake: “El viento anima las hojas.”
Correction: El viento mueve las hojas. 'Animar' is about giving spirit or energy, not physical relocation.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.