relájate
informal
To tell someone to relax, Mexicans say relájate or tranquilo (feminine tranquila). The verb is relajarse, and the polite form is relájese. It is also called cálmate.
Meaning: to calm down or rest (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| relájate | informal |
| cálmate | informal |
| tranquilo | calm down |
Tranquilo is the everyday way to say "take it easy" and is often said alone. For someone who is upset, cálmate is more direct and can sound sharp.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With a stranger or an older person use relájese or tranquilícese. With friends and family relájate is normal.
Did you know?
- The short answer tranquilo is also used in Mexico to say "no worries" when someone apologizes.
Examples in context
- Relájate, todo va a salir bien.Relax, everything will turn out fine.
- Tranquila, no pasa nada.Easy, nothing is wrong.
- Me gusta relajarme en la playa.I like to relax at the beach.
Example conversation
Ana calms her friend Lupe before a job interview in Mexico City.
- LupeEstoy muy nerviosa por la entrevista.I am very nervous about the interview.
- AnaRelájate, ya estás preparada.Relax, you are already prepared.
- LupeTienes razón, respiro hondo.You are right, I will breathe deeply.
