anímame
/animame/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cheer me up" is translated into Spanish as anímame.
This phrase is used to ask someone to make you feel happier when you are experiencing sadness or depression.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb animar (to encourage or animate) and the enclitic pronoun me (me).
Which one should you use?
While anímame is used as a direct command, you might use the infinitive form animarme (to cheer me up) when the phrase is not a direct command, such as in the sentence "You need to cheer me up". In formal situations, you may also use the phrase levánteme el ánimo to mean "lift my spirits".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression dame ánimos is used as a casual way to ask for encouragement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form anímame is the imperative command form used with the informal tú subject. To address someone formally, the command changes to anímeme.
How do you pronounce it?
/animame/
Did you know?
- While anímame is a request for happiness, the same root appears in the English word 'animal'. Both words refer to things that possess 'anima' or breath.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, cheering someone up often involves the physical act of a 'abrazo' or a long hug, which is more culturally expected than in English-speaking cultures.
- The root of anímame comes from the Latin word for 'soul' or 'breath'. To cheer someone up is literally to put 'soul' back into them.
Examples in context
- Anímame con un poco de música.Cheer me up with some music.
- Por favor, anímame, hoy ha sido un día difícil.Please, cheer me up, today has been a difficult day.
Example conversation
María is feeling sad and Daniel is trying to help her.
- MaríaEstoy muy triste hoy, Daniel.I am very sad today, Daniel.
- DanielLo siento mucho, María. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarte?I am very sorry, María. How can I help you?
- MaríaAnímame con un chocolate, por favor.Cheer me up with a chocolate, please.
- DanielClaro que sí, yo te lo traigo ahora.Of course, I will bring it to you now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
