alcanzar
“alcanzar” means “to reach” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
to reach, to get to
Also: to hand
📝 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.)
to achieve, to attain
Also: to obtain
📝 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.
to catch up with, to overtake
Also: to run into
📝 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.
to be enough, to cover
Also: to stretch
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "alcanzar" in Spanish:
achieved→to achieve→to attain→to cover→to hand→to obtain→to overtake→to reach→✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the late Latin verb *incalciare*, meaning 'to follow closely' or 'to pursue.' The word evolved to mean successfully getting close to something, whether physically or figuratively.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'