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"Esfuerza" is a form of "esforzar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to strain". "Prepárate" is a form of "prepárate", a phrase which is often translated as "get ready". Learn more about the difference between "esfuerza" and "prepárate" below.
esforzar(
ehs
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fohr
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sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to exert)
a. to strain
Tuve que esforzar la vista para leer la letra pequeña.I had to strain my eyes to read the small print.
a. to strengthen
Los nuevos datos ayudaron a esforzar la opinión pública.The new data helped to strengthen public opinion.
esforzarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to make an effort
Estos jóvenes se esfuerzan mucho para asegurar la seguridad de su barrio.These young people make a great effort to keep their neighborhood safe.
b. to try hard
Tendrás que esforzarte más si quieres llegar a ser médica.You'll have to try harder if you want to be a doctor.
c. to exert oneself
No deberías esforzarte tanto; tienes que recuperarte.You shouldn't exert yourself so much; you need to recover.
d. to strive
El nadador se esforzaba por nadar más rápido cada día.The swimmer strove to swim faster every day.
prepárate
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (informal) (imperative; 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. get ready
Prepárate, Julián; ya es hora de ir a la escuela.Get ready, Julian; it's time to go to school.
