alcance
/ahl-KAHN-seh/
reach
Illustrating the physical distance or grasp, the noun alcance means "reach."
alcance(noun)
reach
?physical distance or grasp
,scope
?extent or breadth of a project/idea
range
?distance a device/weapon covers
,impact
?influence or effect
📝 In Action
El libro está en el estante de arriba, fuera de mi alcance.
A2The book is on the top shelf, out of my reach.
La decisión del gobierno tiene un gran alcance nacional.
B1The government's decision has a great national scope/impact.
La señal de Wi-Fi tiene un alcance muy limitado en esta zona.
B2The Wi-Fi signal has a very limited range in this area.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Prepositions with Alcance
You almost always use 'al alcance de' (within reach of) or 'fuera de alcance' (out of reach).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Alcance (Noun) and Alcanzar (Verb)
Mistake: "Using 'el alcanzar' when you mean 'the reach' (el alcance)."
Correction: Remember 'alcance' is the thing (the distance/scope), and 'alcanzar' is the action (to reach).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about Influence
Use 'alcance' when discussing how far an idea, law, or person's influence stretches.
This form of alcance is the verb "reach" (subjunctive), often used to express a desired action or outcome.
alcance(verb)
(that I/he/she/it) reach
?present subjunctive form of 'alcanzar'
,(that I/he/she/it) achieve
?present subjunctive form of 'alcanzar'
(you, formal) reach/achieve!
?formal command (imperative)
📝 In Action
Espero que alcance sus metas este año.
B1I hope that he/she achieves his/her goals this year.
Busco un lugar donde mi voz no alcance a molestar.
B2I'm looking for a place where my voice won't reach (to bother anyone).
Alcance la cima, por favor. (Formal command)
B2Reach the summit, please. (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change (Z to C)
The verb 'alcanzar' ends in -zar. When conjugating into forms that start with an 'e' (like 'alcance' or 'alcancé'), the 'z' changes to a 'c' to keep the sound consistent.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Subjunctive
Mistake: "Saying 'Quiero que él alcanza la meta' (I want him to reach the goal)."
Correction: After verbs expressing wishes or influence (like 'querer' or 'esperar'), the second verb must change form: 'Quiero que él alcance la meta'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
Use 'Alcance usted' (or just 'Alcance') for a polite, formal command, like telling a boss or elder to achieve something.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alcance
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'alcance' as the noun meaning 'scope'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'alcance' is the noun or the verb?
If it follows a word like 'el,' 'un,' 'su,' or 'este,' it is the noun (e.g., 'El alcance es grande'). If it follows 'que' and is part of a wish or request, or if it is a formal command, it is the verb (e.g., 'Que lo alcance').
Can I use 'alcance' to talk about reaching a phone number?
No, for reaching someone by phone or contact, Spanish typically uses 'contactar' or 'localizar'. 'Alcance' is for physical distance, influence, or achieving goals.