What does it mean word for word?
The phrase haz lo mejor que puedas literally translates to "do the best that you can".
Which one should you use?
While haz lo mejor que puedas is the standard way to encourage an individual, hagan lo mejor que puedan is used when you are encouraging a group of people. Additionally, Todos ustedes hagan lo mejor que puedan specifically means "All of you, do your best".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, primarily Mexico, you may hear the colloquial phrase Échale ganas to mean "give it their best shot".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form haz lo mejor que puedas uses the imperative haz, which is the informal tú command. When addressing a group, you use the plural form hagan lo mejor que puedan.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθ lo mexoɾ ke pwedas/
When do people say it?
In colloquial speech, you might use the phrase Dale con ganas, which can be translated as "go for it" or "give it all you've got".
Did you know?
- The word mejor shares the same ancient root as the English word 'ameliorate', which means to make something better.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, gesturing with a thumbs-up often accompanies Échale ganas to reinforce the encouragement.
- While haz lo mejor que puedas is encouraging, the word ganas used in colloquial alternatives refers to a specific kind of will or craving.
Examples in context
- Haz lo mejor que puedas.Do your best.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase haz lo mejor que puedas.Tatoeba #9423066 by ignacio, translation #34011 by CK
- Juan, haz tu mejor esfuerzo en el examen de mañanaJuan, do your best on tomorrow's exam
- María, échale ganas a tu proyecto, sé que lo harás genialMaría, give your best to your project, I know you'll do great
- Haz lo mejor que puedas en el examen.Do your best on the exam.
- No te preocupes, solo haz lo mejor que puedas.Don't worry, just do your best.
Example conversation
Mateo is encouraging Sofía before her big presentation.
- MateoNo estés nerviosa, Sofía.Don't be nervous, Sofía.
- SofíaTengo mucho miedo de fallar.I am very afraid of failing.
- MateoTranquila, haz lo mejor que puedas.Calm down, do your best.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, lo intentaré.Thanks, Mateo, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haz, lo, mejor, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
