puedes hacerlo
/pwedes aθeɾlo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "you can do this" is puedes hacerlo.
This phrase is used to encourage someone and tell them they are capable of achieving a goal.
Which one should you use?
While puedes hacerlo literally means "you can do it," it is the standard way to translate the idiomatic English encouragement "you can do this."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may use Vos podés hacerlo to mean "You can do it.". In Latin America, when addressing a group of people, use pueden hacerlo to say "you all can do it".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase in a formal context, change puedes to puede to match the third-person singular formal usted.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the phrase ¡Tú puedes, cabrón! is used as a high-energy, colloquial form of encouragement. However, the word cabrón is typically an insult, so this version should only be used among very close friends.
- The slogan ¡Sí se puede! is a widely recognized expression of empowerment across the Americas. Unlike puedes hacerlo, which focuses on the person, this phrase literally means 'Yes, it can be done'.
- While puedes hacerlo is common, Spanish speakers often use the word ¡Ánimo! to encourage someone. This word translates literally to 'spirit' or 'courage' and serves as a general cheer to keep one's chin up.
Examples in context
- Puedes hacerlo, ¿no?You can do this, can't you?This sentence shows how to use puedes hacerlo in a question.Tatoeba #600203 by Shishir, translation #3738812 by CK
- Confía en ti, puedes hacerlo.Trust yourself, you can do this.
- Sé que puedes hacerlo muy bien.I know you can do it very well.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is nervous before a job interview and María is encouraging him.
- MaríaNo estés nervioso, Daniel, puedes hacerlo.Don't be nervous, Daniel, you can do this.
- DanielGracias, María, pero estoy muy inquieto.Thanks, María, but I am very uneasy.
- María¡Claro que puedes hacerlo!Of course you can do it!
- DanielTienes razón, voy a intentarlo.You are right, I am going to try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
