'llegar' vs. 'venir'

To keep the 'g' sound hard (like in 'go'), the 'yo' form in the simple past (preterite) changes from 'g' to 'gu'. So, 'llegar' becomes 'llegué' (I arrived). The same happens in the present subjunctive ('llegue').

The 'gué' Spelling Change

When you say you arrive *at* a place, use the word 'a'. For example, 'Llego a la estación' (I arrive at the station).

Use 'a' for Destinations

Think of 'llegar' as marking the end of a journey. It's all about reaching the destination, no matter how you got there.

Focus on the End Point

Extremely common. This is one of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

You'll frequently hear 'no llega' to mean 'it's not enough' or 'it doesn't reach'. For example, 'El sueldo no me llega' means 'My salary isn't enough.'

Often Used in the Negative

Very common, especially when talking about size, money, or duration.

This structure means 'to end up doing' or 'to manage to do' something, often implying it was unexpected or took effort. For example, 'Llegué a entender el problema' means 'I eventually understood the problem.'

'llegar a' + Verb

'Llegar a ser' is perfect for describing a change that happened after a long process, like a career promotion or developing a skill. It's not for sudden changes.

For Changes Over Time

Common in expressions that describe a process or achievement.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'llegar' to say 'to arrive,' 'to reach,' or 'to become.' Includes full conjugation tables, examples, and usage tips for all levels.

llegar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations