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"Animo" is a form of "animar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to encourage". "Tú puedes" is a form of "tú puedes", a phrase which is often translated as "you can". Learn more about the difference between "animo" and "tú puedes" below.
animar(
ah
-
nee
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mahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to encourage
Mis padres siempre me han animado a estudiar.My parents have always encouraged me to study.
2. (to enliven)
a. to liven up
Ese grupo sabe cómo animar una fiesta.That band really knows how to liven a party up.
a. to cheer on
Mi familia vino a animarme en la media maratón.My family came to cheer me on at the half marathon.
animarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to liven up
Cuando llegó la banda, la fiesta se animó y todo el mundo se puso a bailar.When the band arrived, the party livened up and everyone started dancing.
c. to brighten up
La cara del niño se animó al ver los caramelos.The boy's face brightened up when he saw the candy.
d. to get energized
Rocío siempre se anima cuando sale a bailar salsa.Rocio always gets energized when she goes out salsa dancing.
e. to get going
En el momento en que salió el tema de la corrupción política, el debate se animó.The moment the topic of political corruption came up, the debate got going.
6. (to resolve)
a. to decide
Si te animas a venir al cine, dímelo y voy a buscarte con el carro.If you decide to come to the movies, just let me know, and I'll go pick you up in my car.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Te animas a ir a nadar a la piscina mañana?Are you up for a swim in the pool tomorrow?
Nosotros vamos esta noche a la disco. ¿Se animan?We're going to the disco tonight. Are you in?
tú puedes(
too
pweh
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dehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (informal) (you're capable of; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. you can
Tú puedes hablar bien español. Solo tienes que practicar.You can speak Spanish well. You only need to practise.
2. (informal) (you can achieve it; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
3. (informal) (you have permission to; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
