ve por ello
/be poɾ eʝo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'go for it' can be expressed in Spanish as ve por ello.
The phrase is used when someone decides to do something, especially after a period of hesitation. While ve por ello is a literal translation, native speakers are much more likely to use ¡Hazlo! (Do it!) or ¡Dale! (Go for it/Go ahead!) to express the same sentiment of encouragement.
Meaning: to decide to do something, especially after a period of hesitation (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ve por ello is a literal translation where ve is the imperative of ir (to go), por means 'for' and ello means 'it'.
Which one should you use?
While ve por ello is a direct translation, other forms serve different communicative purposes: ¡Adelante! is used to mean 'go for it' or 'proceed' in the context of giving encouragement. ¡Dale! can be translated as 'go for it', 'let's do it' or even 'hit it'. ¡Échale ganas! means to 'put in effort' or 'give it your all'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal expression ¡Échale! is used to say 'go for it'. In Argentina, ¡Dale para adelante! is a casual expression used among friends or peers to mean 'go for it'.
How do you pronounce it?
/be poɾ eʝo/
Did you know?
- The word ve in this phrase is a fascinating linguistic crossroads. It can stem from the Latin 'videō', meaning 'to see', or from 'vādō', meaning 'to go', depending on the specific historical root being utilized.
- The word dale is used in many Spanish-speaking countries as a way to say 'go for it' or 'okay' and is often accompanied by a rhythmic hand gesture or a nod of the head.
- While ¡Dale! translates to 'go for it' in a supportive way, its literal meaning is 'give it' or 'hit it' and can be used as a command to start playing music.
Examples in context
- Si tienes una idea innovadora, ¡adelante!If you have an innovative idea, go for it!
- Anímate a presentar tu propuesta al comité.Go for it and present your proposal to the committee.
- Si crees en tu proyecto, ¡hazlo realidad!If you believe in your project, make it happen!
- ¡Dale, juega tu mejor partido hoy!Go for it, play your best game today!
- ¡Échale ganas a tus estudios y lograrás tus metas!Put in effort in your studies, and you will achieve your goals!
- Es una gran oportunidad, así que ve por ello.It is a great opportunity, so go for it.
Example conversation
Sofía is encouraging Javier to apply for a scholarship.
- SofíaJavier, deberías solicitar esa beca.Javier, you should apply for that scholarship.
- JavierNo sé si soy lo suficientemente bueno.I don't know if I am good enough.
- SofíaTienes talento, así que ve por ello.You have talent, so go for it.
- JavierEstá bien, lo intentaré.All right, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ello, por, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
