superar
/soo-peh-RAHR/
to overcome
Superar (to overcome) means successfully passing a difficulty or obstacle.
superar(verb)
to overcome
?a difficulty or obstacle
,to get over
?an illness, fear, or emotional state
to deal with
?a challenging situation
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Use
Unlike 'get over' in English, 'superar' is often used directly before the thing you are overcoming, without needing a preposition like 'de' or 'a'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Superar' and 'Vencer'
Mistake: "Usando 'vencer' para una enfermedad ('Venció la gripe')."
Correction: Use 'superar' when dealing with internal, personal difficulties or illnesses. 'Vencer' usually implies defeating an opponent or winning a battle.
When you superar (to surpass) someone or something, you are better than it.
superar(verb)
to surpass
?to be better than
,to exceed
?a limit, score, or expectation
to top
?a previous achievement
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Comparison Structure
When comparing two things, 'superar' means the first thing is better than the second: 'A supera a B' (A surpasses B).
Superar (to improve oneself) describes the process of personal growth and becoming better.
superar(verb)
to improve oneself
?personal growth
,to strive for excellence
?professional or academic
to better oneself
?general self-improvement
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you add 'se' to 'superar' (superarse), it means the person is performing the action on themselves, focusing on self-improvement or self-challenge.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Decir 'Quiero superar' cuando se refiere a mejorar personalmente."
Correction: Always include the pronoun (me, te, se, etc.) when talking about self-improvement: 'Quiero superarme' (I want to improve myself).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: superar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'superar' in the sense of 'exceeding a number or limit'?
📚 More Resources
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.