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"Instar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to urge", and "animar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to encourage". Learn more about the difference between "instar" and "animar" below.
instar(
eens
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to insist)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be urgent
Insta que vengan a la tienda temprano mañana para ayudar con el lanzamiento del producto.It is urgent that you all come to the store early tomorrow to help with the product launch.
animar(
ah
-
nee
-
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?
