Spanish Phrase
Encárgate de limpiar el lugar.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to take responsibility for cleaning the place. It implies that the speaker expects the listener to handle the whole cleaning task, not just a part of it.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal settings when you need a colleague, roommate, or family member to clean a specific area. In a formal context you would say “Encárguese de limpiar el lugar.”
✦Grammar Breakdown
Encárgatedelimpiarellugar
Imperative + reflexive pronoun
In affirmative commands, the reflexive pronoun is attached to the end of the verb (encárgate). The accent moves to keep the original stress.
Preposition 'de' after encargarse
The verb encargarse always requires the preposition de before the action it refers to.
Infinitive complement
The verb limpiar stays in its infinitive form because it follows de.
Definite article with lugar
El lugar means 'the place' and is used when the location is known to both speakers.
🗨In Conversation
Encárgate de limpiar el lugar antes de que lleguen los invitados.
Take care of cleaning the place before the guests arrive.
¡Claro! Lo haré en cuanto termine de cocinar.
Sure! I'll do it as soon as I finish cooking.
✕Common Mistakes
Encárgate a limpiar el lugar.
The verb encargarse never takes the preposition a; it must be de.
Encargate de limpiar el lugar.
Missing the accent on the stressed syllable; the correct spelling is encárgate.
Encárgate de limpiar el sitio.
While “sitio” is acceptable, using “lugar” is more neutral; “sitio” can sound colloquial in some regions.
↔Alternatives
Ocúpate de limpiar el sitio.
Take care of cleaning the site.
Responsabilízate de la limpieza del lugar.
Make yourself responsible for the cleaning of the place.
Asegúrate de que el lugar quede limpio.
Make sure the place stays clean.
Cultural Tip
The imperative with a reflexive pronoun (encárgate) is common in everyday Spanish, especially among friends, family, or coworkers. It sounds strong but not rude. If you need to be more polite or are speaking to someone you don’t know well, switch to the formal form “Encárguese”. Also, avoid using “a” after encargarse; the correct preposition is always “de”.