bébetelo
/bebetelo/from spelling rules
To say "drink it" in Spanish, use bébetelo.
The phrase is an imperative used to tell someone to consume a liquid entirely. It emphasizes the completion of the action, such as finishing a whole drink rather than just taking a sip.
What does it mean word for word?
The form bébetelo is composed of the imperative bebe (drink), the reflexive pronoun te (for yourself) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
While both bébetelo and Bébelo can mean "drink it," the addition of the reflexive pronoun te in bébetelo implies consuming the entire amount or doing so thoroughly.
How does it change in a sentence?
bébetelo is the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to a friend, child or peer.
How do you pronounce it?
/bebetelo/
Did you know?
- The phrase beberse can also be used metaphorically to describe spending all of one's money, as if 'drinking' your savings.
- In Spain, the word beber is the standard term for consuming liquids, but in many Latin American countries, the word tomar is preferred, making tómatelo the more common way to say 'drink it'.
- Because the pronouns 'te' and 'lo' are attached to the end of the verb, the phrase must retain its written accent mark on the 'e' to preserve the original stress of the command.
Examples in context
- Bébelo rápidoDrink it quickly
- Tómatelo todoDrink it all
- Es medicina, bébetelo todo.It is medicine, drink it all.
- Si está frío, bébetelo ya.If it is cold, drink it now.
- No lo dejes ahí, bébetelo.Don't leave it there, drink it.
Example conversation
Sofía is encouraging Alejandro to finish his juice.
- SofíaAlejandro, no dejes el jugo en la mesa.Alejandro, don't leave the juice on the table.
- AlejandroNo tengo mucha sed, Sofía.I'm not very thirsty, Sofía.
- SofíaEs muy saludable, ¡bébetelo!It is very healthy, drink it!
- AlejandroEstá bien, me lo beberé.Alright, I will drink it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
