Who doesn’t need some encouragement every now and then? Hearing ¡puedes hacerlo! (you can do it!) or a similar expression is sure to give a confidence boost. Use this and other phrases to animar (to encourage/to cheer on) a team or a group of people.
This guide will review the conjugation of the verb poder (to be able to) and how it’s used, so you can say “you can do it” in Spanish to all different audiences. You’ll also learn other expressions for encouraging friends or family and spreading positivity to those around you.
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The simplest way to say ‘you can do it’ in Spanish
You’ll say “you can do it” in Spanish by using a conjugated form of poder (to be able/can) followed by hacerlo (to do it). The first verb, poder, has to adjust based on what kind of “you” you’re using in Spanish. You’ll need to choose between the usted vs.tú forms depending on the relationship you have with the person, and use plural forms for a group.
- ¡Puedes hacerlo! = You can do it! (to one person, tú—casual/informal)
- ¡Puede hacerlo! = You can do it! (to one person, usted—more formal)
- ¡Pueden hacerlo! = You can do it! (to a group)
In Spain, where the vosotros form is common, you can also say:
- ¡Podéis hacerlo! = You can do it! (to a group, informal)
Conjugation of poder
When you learn all the forms of poder in the present tense, you’ll also be able to talk about yourself and others. It’s one of the more common Spanish verbs that can help you communicate about a multitude of topics, such as making plans or discussing your skills.
poder (to be able to/can) present tense
| yo puedo | I can | nosotros podemos | we can |
| tú puedes | you can (informal) | vosotros podéis | you can (informal, plural, Spain only) |
| él/ella puede | he/she can | ellos/ellas pueden | they can |
| usted puede | you can (formal) | ustedes pueden | you can (plural) |
Why don’t you conjugate hacer?
You might be tempted to conjugate hacer (to do/to make), but it’s not necessary, because it follows the conjugated verb poder. According to Spanish grammar rules, a verb (or list of verbs) that immediately follows a conjugated verb without changing subjects is left in the infinitive form.
For this reason, once you have conjugated the verb poder to match the person/people you’re encouraging, it will be followed by the infinitive form hacer.
- Puedo hacer la tarea mañana. = I can do the homework tomorrow.
- ¿Puedes hacer la cama? = Can you make the bed?
What does lo mean in puedes hacerlo?
In phrases like puedes hacerlo, the word lo is a Spanish direct object pronoun that means “it.” The pronoun can be placed at the end of the infinitive hacer or before the conjugated verb instead, with no change in meaning.
- Puedo hacerlo./Lo puedo hacer. = I can do it.
- No quiero hacerlo./No lo quiero hacer. = I don’t want to do it.
- Tengo que hacerlo./Lo tengo que hacer. = I have to do it.
- Debería hacerlo./Lo debería hacer. = I should do it.
Other ways to express ‘you can do it’
Once you know how to say “you can do it” in Spanish, you’ll be able to encourage a child with their homework, cheer on your favorite team, or encourage a group to persevere through a variety of simple exclamations.
For a simple “you can do it” in Spanish, just leave out the hacerlo and use the subject pronoun that matches the person you’re speaking to. For example:
| Spanish | Used For |
| ¡Tu puedes! | one person, informal. a child, family member, good friend, or pet. |
| ¡Usted puede! | one person, more formal. |
| ¡Ustedes pueden! | a group of people |
| ¡Vosotros podéis! | a group of people, informal, spain only. |
| ¡Vosotras podéis! | an exclusively female group of people, informal, spain only. |
You may have heard or read the expression ¡sí, se puede! This can loosely translate to many encouraging thoughts and is often used in posters and slogans in Spanish.
- Yes we can!
- We can do it!
- You can do it!
- Come on! Let’s go!
The nice thing about this option is that it can apply fairly broadly to most situations without you having to worry about singular, plural, formal, or informal subjects. Just shout ¡sí, se puede!
More words of encouragement in Spanish
Each situation is slightly different, so Spanish offers some excellent phrases to say “you can do it” in Spanish slang, or for encouraging and cheering someone on. These are all informal, singular options, which are perfect for a close friend or family member. They will vary slightly in formal or plural forms though.
Try out these expressions the next time you’re on a hike with a friend, at the gym, or when someone’s feeling anxious. Your positividad (positivity) will be greatly appreciated.
| Spanish | English |
| ¡Ándale, tú puedes! | Come on, you can do it! (Mexico) |
| ¡Ánimo! | Come on! Cheer up! |
| ¡Dale! | Let’s go! Come on! |
| ¡No te rindas! | Don’t give up! |
| ¡Puedes con ello! | You can handle it! |
| ¡Sigue así! | Keep it up! |
| ¡Suerte! | Good luck! |
| ¡Vamos! | Let’s go! |
| ¡Venga, tú puedes! | Come on, you can do it! (Spain) |
| ¡Vos podés!` | You can do it! (Argentina) |
| ¡Ya queda menos! | You’re almost there! |
Learning Spanish? You can do it!
Anyone who is learning Spanish will need some encouragement from time to time. When you’re not sure how to say a word or phrase, inténtalo (try it). If you get discouraged with irregular Spanish verbs, no te rindas (don’t give up). Remember, progress happens poco a poco (little by little).
Rosetta Stone’s proven methods include features that will keep you feeling confident and encouraged at the right level for you. Practicing during Live Lessons or with one of Rosetta Stone’s expert tutors can be a great way to ask your questions and get help and encouragement along the way. Sí, se puede! You can do it!
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