tú puedes
/tu pwedes/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "you got this" is tú puedes.
This expression is used to encourage someone and tell them they are capable of succeeding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "you can".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear ¡Vos podés, eh! to mean "You can do it, hey!" In Mexico, the phrase ¡Tú puedes, ánimo! is used to mean "You can do it, cheer up!"
Did you know?
- While tú puedes is a direct translation, a more common way to say 'you got this' in many Spanish-speaking cultures is to use the word ¡Dale!, which literally means 'Give it'.
- The word tú shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European ancestor as the archaic English word 'thou'.
- In Spain, you might use the expression ¡Venga! to encourage someone, which functions more like saying 'Come on!' than 'You can do it'.
Examples in context
- ¡Tú puedes! Estoy seguro de que lograrás tus metasYou can do it! I am sure you will achieve your goals
- No tengas miedo, tú puedes con todo.Don't be afraid, you can handle anything.
- Confía en ti, tú puedes lograrlo.Trust yourself, you can achieve it.
- ¡Ánimo! Sé que tú puedes ganar.Cheer up! I know you can win.
Example conversation
Mateo is encouraging Elena before her big presentation.
- MateoElena, ¿estás nerviosa por la presentación?Elena, are you nervous about the presentation?
- ElenaSí, un poco, pero sé que lo haré bien.Yes, a little, but I know I will do well.
- Mateo¡Claro que sí! Tú puedes hacerlo.Of course! You got this.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, necesito escuchar eso.Thanks, Mateo, I need to hear that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
