The verb animar can be used in Spanish with or without reflexive pronouns. Depending on how we use it it has a different meaning.
Animar - non-reflexive
Animar (algo)
Animar (algo) = to liven up/to spice up (something)
When we use animar with this meaning it works as a transitive verb with whatever is being livened/spiced up as the direct object. For example:
Animar (a alguien)
Animar a alguien = to cheer someone up
We also use animar as a transitive verb. The person who is cheered up is the direct object preceded by "a". For example:
The direct object could also be a direct object pronoun:
Animar (a alguien a hacer algo)
Animar a alguien a hacer algo = to encourage someone to do somethingTo express this remember that you need to put "a" in front of the direct object (person) and another "a" in front of the verb that follows it.
For example:
The person who is being encouraged can be represented by a direct object pronoun:
Animar -reflexive/pronominal verb
Animarse
Animarse = to cheer (oneself) up
When used as a pronominal verb using reflexive pronouns it means "to cheer up", for example:
Animarse (a hacer algo)
Animarse a hacer algo = to bring/motivate [yourself] to do something
With this specific meaning we use the verb animarse in its reflexive form and use "a" before the verb that follows it. For example:
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Examples and resources
Intenté animar a Clara porque estaba un poco triste.I tried to cheer Clara up because she was a bit sad.
Ahora tenemos que animarlos. Están destrozados después de perder el partido.We have to cheer them up now. They are very upset after losing the match.
Julián animó a Mercedes a aceptar esa oferta de trabajo en Brasil.Julián encouraged Mercedes to accept that job offer in Brasil.
Julián la animó a aceptar esa oferta de trabajo en Brasil.Julián encouraged her to accept that job offer in Brasil.
Después de tomarnos unas copas de vino nos animamos y nos pusimos a bailar.After having some glasses of wine we cheered up/livened up and started to dance.
No se anima a apuntarse a las clases de salsa, así que tendré que ir sola.He can't bring himself to join the salsa classes so I will have to go by myself.
