alcanzar
/al-kan-SAR/
to reach
Alcanzar means 'to reach' a physical object or height.
alcanzar(verb)
to reach
?physical distance or height
,to get to
?a destination or time
to hand
?to reach and pass something
📝 In Action
¿Puedes alcanzar el libro que está en el estante de arriba?
A2Can you reach the book that is on the top shelf?
Llegamos tarde, pero alcanzamos a ver el final del partido.
B1We arrived late, but we managed to catch (reach) the end of the game.
Alcanza la sal, por favor.
B1Pass the salt, please. (Literally: Reach me the salt.)
💡 Grammar Points
Z to C Spelling Change
In forms where the sound 'z' must come before 'e' (like the 'yo' preterite or the entire present subjunctive), the spelling changes from 'z' to 'c' (e.g., alcanzo but alcancé and alcance).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Reach' and 'Arrive'
Mistake: "Using *llegar* when meaning to physically reach for something."
Correction: Use *alcanzar* for physical reaching or handing something; use *llegar* for arriving at a destination.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'a' for Time
When talking about reaching a time limit or barely making it, use alcanzar a + infinitive: 'Alcanzamos a comer antes de que cerraran' (We managed to eat before they closed).
When you alcanzar a goal, you 'achieve' it.
alcanzar(verb)
to achieve
?a goal, status, or level
,to attain
?a high status or result
to obtain
?a result or benefit
📝 In Action
Ella quiere alcanzar sus sueños de ser doctora.
B1She wants to achieve her dreams of becoming a doctor.
La temperatura alcanzó los 40 grados hoy.
B2The temperature reached 40 degrees today.
Gracias a su trabajo duro, alcanzó el éxito financiero.
C1Thanks to his hard work, he attained financial success.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Verb Use
In this meaning, alcanzar always needs a direct object (the thing you are achieving): 'alcanzar el objetivo' (to achieve the objective).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
Alcanzar is often slightly more formal or definitive than lograr (to manage/succeed) when discussing major life goals or official statistics.
Use alcanzar when you 'catch up with' someone ahead of you.
alcanzar(verb)
to catch up with
?someone/something ahead
,to overtake
?passing someone in a race
to run into
?to accidentally encounter
📝 In Action
Si corres más rápido, podrás alcanzar al grupo.
B2If you run faster, you will be able to catch up with the group.
El coche pequeño alcanzó y pasó al camión en la curva.
B2The small car caught up to and passed the truck on the curve.
¡Qué casualidad! Te alcancé en el supermercado.
C1What a coincidence! I ran into you at the supermarket.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Needed
When meaning 'to catch up with,' the person or thing you are catching is the direct object (no preposition needed): alcanzar a alguien.
Alcanzar can mean 'to be enough' or 'to suffice'.
alcanzar(verb)
to be enough
?to suffice, to be sufficient
,to cover
?costs or needs
to stretch
?resources
📝 In Action
Con este dinero no me alcanza para el alquiler.
C1This money is not enough for the rent.
Si ahorras, quizás te alcance para el viaje.
C1If you save, maybe you'll have enough for the trip.
Los suministros no alcanzan para todos los refugiados.
C2The supplies are not sufficient for all the refugees.
💡 Grammar Points
Used like 'Gustar'
When meaning 'to be enough,' alcanzar often works like gustar (to like). The thing that is or isn't enough is the subject, and the person who needs it is the indirect object (me, te, le, nos, les).
⭐ Usage Tips
Financial Context
This usage is very common when discussing money, budgets, or limited resources.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alcanzar
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation best fits the sentence: 'No tengo suficiente dinero, no me alcanza.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'alcanzar' versus 'llegar'?
Use *alcanzar* when you are actively reaching for something (like a high shelf), achieving a specific goal (like success), or catching up to someone. Use *llegar* when you are passively arriving at a location (like a city) or a time (like 8 o'clock).
What does 'alcanzar a' + infinitive mean?
This phrase means 'to manage to do something just in time' or 'to barely succeed at doing something.' For example, 'Alcanzamos a tomar el tren' means 'We managed to catch the train.'