Spanish verbs Animar vs Animarse (pronominal verbs)

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)

To 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: