¡ánimo!
The English phrase "hang in there" is translated into Spanish as ¡ánimo!
¡ánimo! is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to stay positive and keep trying during a difficult situation. It can also be understood as "Take heart!" A common way to expand the phrase for more emphasis is to say ¡Ánimo, tú puedes!, which means "Hang in there, you can do it!"
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ¡ánimo! is an interjection, it is almost always accompanied by exclamation marks in writing.
Did you know?
- If someone is going through a very rough time, you might hear the expression ¡échale ganas!, which is a very common, informal way to say 'hang in there' or 'put some effort into it' in Mexico.
- The word ánimo shares a root with the English word 'animating'. Both come from the Latin animus, meaning 'breath' or 'soul', reflecting the idea of breathing life into someone's resolve.
- In Spanish, ¡ánimo! is often accompanied by a physical gesture such as a pat on the shoulder or a firm squeeze of the arm to convey solidarity.
Examples in context
- No te rindas, eres un luchadorDon't give up, you are a fighter
- ¡Ánimo! Todo saldrá bien.Hang in there! Everything will turn out fine.
- Sé que es difícil, ¡ánimo!I know it is hard, hang in there!
Example conversation
Javier is feeling overwhelmed by his new job and Lucía is supporting him.
- LucíaJavier, sé que el trabajo es pesado.Javier, I know the work is heavy.
- JavierSí, me siento muy cansado.Yes, I feel very tired.
- Lucía¡Ánimo! Tú puedes con esto.Hang in there! You can do this.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, lo intentaré.Thanks, Lucía, I will try.
