practícalo
/pɾaɡtikalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "practice it" is translated into Spanish as practícalo.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb practica (practice) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the thing being practiced is a feminine noun, such as la lección, the pronoun changes from lo to la, resulting in practícala. To tell a group of people to practice it, use the plural form practíquenlo for masculine or neutral objects or practíquenla for feminine objects. Additionally, when attaching the pronoun lo to the imperative form practica, an accent mark must be added to the i to maintain the original stress on the third-to-last syllable, forming practícalo.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾaɡtikalo/
Did you know?
- In a musical context, a Spanish speaker might use the word ensayar instead of practicar. While practícalo is correct, ensáyalo is the preferred term for rehearsing a piece of music or a play.
- In Spanish, the verb practicar can be used as a synonym for 'to exercise' or 'to play' a sport, meaning practícalo might be said when encouraging someone to play a specific game.
- If you are speaking to a friend in Spain, you might use the tú form practícalo, but in parts of Colombia or Costa Rica, you would use practíquelo to be polite even among acquaintances.
Examples in context
- El paso de baile es difícil, practícalo un poco.The dance step is difficult, practice it a little.
- Es un truco nuevo, ¡practícalo ahora mismo!It is a new trick, practice it right now!
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a new dance step.
- AlejandroMira cómo se hace este paso.Look at how this step is done.
- MaríaParece muy difícil de hacer.It seems very difficult to do.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, solo practícalo un poco.Don't worry, just practice it a bit.
- MaríaEstá bien, lo intentaré ahora.All right, I will try it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
