solo hazlo
/solo aθlo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "just do it" is translated into Spanish as solo hazlo.
The phrase is used to encourage someone to take action or stop hesitating. Depending on the setting, you might use Simplemente hazlo in an informal environment or a more descriptive phrase like No lo pienses más, échale ganas (Don't think about it anymore, give it your all). In formal settings, you can use Hágalo ya or the instruction No lo piense más, actúe (Don't think about it anymore, act).
Which one should you use?
The form of the phrase changes based on how many people you are addressing and the level of respect you wish to show. Use solo hágalo instead of solo hazlo when addressing someone with formal respect. For a group of people in a formal context in Latin America, use solo háganlo. In Spain, if you are encouraging a group of people you address informally, use solo hacedlo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may use Hacelo ya to mean "Do it now". In Latin America, solo háganlo is the standard way to say "just do it" to a group of people, whereas in Spain, the informal plural form solo hacedlo is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word hazlo is a combination of the imperative verb haz (do) and the object pronoun lo (it).
How do you pronounce it?
/solo aθlo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the phrase échale ganas is often used instead of a literal translation of 'just do it'. It literally means 'throw desire into it', blending the idea of action with emotional effort.
- When using hacedlo in Spain, the speaker is using the 'vosotros' form, which is almost entirely absent in Latin American speech. Using this form in Mexico or Colombia would sound like a character from a historical novel.
- The verb hacer inside hazlo is used for both 'to do' and 'to make'. This means the same Spanish phrase could be used to tell someone to 'just do it' or 'just make it'.
Examples in context
- No lo pienses más, solo hazlo.Don't think about it anymore, just do it.
- Sé que tienes miedo, pero solo hazlo.I know you are afraid, but just do it.
- Si quieres ganar, solo hazlo ahora.If you want to win, just do it now.
Example conversation
Javier is hesitant about applying for a new job.
- ElenaEs una gran oportunidad para ti, Javier.It is a great opportunity for you, Javier.
- JavierNo estoy seguro de si soy capaz.I am not sure if I am capable.
- ElenaNo te detengas, solo hazlo.Don't stop, just do it.
- JavierEstá bien, enviaré mi currículum hoy.Alright, I will send my resume today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
