superar
“superar” means “to overcome” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to overcome, to get overAlso: to deal with
📝 In Action
Ella logró superar la timidez y hablar en público.
B1She managed to overcome her shyness and speak in public.
Necesitamos superar este obstáculo económico para seguir adelante.
B2We need to get past this economic obstacle to move forward.
Le costó mucho tiempo superar la pérdida de su mascota.
B1It took him a long time to get over the loss of his pet.
Word Connections
to surpass, to exceedAlso: to top
📝 In Action
El equipo superó el récord de puntos del año pasado.
B2The team surpassed last year's point record.
Su actuación superó todas nuestras expectativas.
B2Her performance exceeded all our expectations.
La demanda de este producto ha superado la oferta disponible.
C1The demand for this product has exceeded the available supply.
Word Connections
to improve oneself, to strive for excellenceAlso: to better oneself
📝 In Action
Ella estudia mucho porque quiere superarse profesionalmente.
B2She studies a lot because she wants to improve herself professionally.
La clave del éxito es superarse día a día.
C1The key to success is to better yourself day by day.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "superar" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: superar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'superar' in the sense of 'exceeding a number or limit'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Latin prefix *super-* (meaning 'above' or 'over') combined with the verb *parare* (meaning 'to prepare' or 'to procure'). The sense evolved to mean 'to go over or beyond' a limit or obstacle.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'superar' and 'ganar'?
'Ganar' means 'to win' (a game, a prize, or a battle against an opponent). 'Superar' means 'to overcome' a challenge or 'to surpass' a standard. You might 'superar' a fear, but you wouldn't 'ganar' a fear.
Can I use 'superar' when talking about passing a test?
Yes, but it's more common to use 'aprobar' (to pass) for a general test. 'Superar' is better used for particularly difficult or challenging exams or trials, emphasizing the difficulty you overcame.