Lighten up Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫaɪtən/ /ˈəp
LY-tuhn UHP
lˈaɪtən/ /ˈʌp
LY-tuhn UP
Definition
To become less serious, worried, or angry; to relax and enjoy things more, especially when you or someone else is being too serious.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used in friendly conversations. Suggests someone is too stressed or taking things too seriously; 'Come on, lighten up!' is a common phrase. Not rude, but can sound dismissive if the person feels strongly.
Spanish: relájate - tómalo con calmaPortuguese (BR): relaxa - leva na boaPortuguese (PT): relaxa - leva na boaChinese (Simplified): 放轻松 - 别太严肃Chinese (Traditional): 放輕鬆 - 別太嚴肅Hindi: शांत हो जाओ - आराम से लोArabic: اهدأ - خذ الأمور ببساطةBengali: হালকা হওয়া - চিল করাRussian: расслабиться - успокоитьсяJapanese: 気楽にする - リラックスするVietnamese: thư giãn đi - bớt căng thẳngKorean: 가볍게 넘기다 - 기분을 풀다Turkish: rahatla - gevşeUrdu: ہلکا ہوجانا - پرسکون ہو جاناIndonesian: santai saja - jangan terlalu serius
Example Sentences
You should lighten up and have some fun.
basic
He told her to lighten up because she looked upset.
basic
Try to lighten up; things are not that bad.
basic
Come on, lighten up! It was just a joke.
natural
If you lighten up, the meeting will be a lot more fun.
natural
Honestly, you need to lighten up about these tiny mistakes.
natural