espíritu
neutral
The usual word for spirit is espíritu. For high spirits or morale people say ánimo, and a ghost is a fantasma.
Meaning: soul or inner energy, or a ghost (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| espíritu | neutral |
| Ánimo | energy or morale |
| Fantasma | ghost |
Espíritu covers the soul and religious meanings, as in el Espíritu Santo. Ánimo is the word for mood, as in tengo buen ánimo.
When do people say it?
People cheer someone up in Mexico with ¡Ánimo!, which means "keep your spirits up".
Did you know?
- Ánimo and animar come from the Latin word for soul, the same root as alma.
Examples in context
- Tiene un espíritu muy libre.She has a very free spirit.
- ¡Ánimo, ya casi llegamos!Cheer up, we are almost there!
- Dicen que hay un fantasma en esa casa.They say there is a ghost in that house.
Example conversation
Coach Ramírez encourages his team before a match in Tijuana.
- RamírezMuchachos, ¡ánimo!Boys, keep your spirits up!
- LuisVamos a ganar, profe.We are going to win, coach.
- RamírezCon ese espíritu, seguro.With that spirit, for sure.
