vencer
“vencer” means “defeat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
defeat, overcome
Also: beat, conquer
📝 In Action
El equipo logró vencer a su rival en la final.
A2The team managed to defeat their rival in the final.
Debemos vencer el miedo para alcanzar nuestros sueños.
B1We must overcome fear to achieve our dreams.
Ella ha vencido muchos obstáculos en su vida.
B2She has overcome many obstacles in her life.
expire, be due
Also: run out, mature
📝 In Action
La fecha límite para entregar el informe vence mañana.
B1The deadline for submitting the report expires tomorrow (is due tomorrow).
Mi pasaporte venció el mes pasado, necesito renovarlo.
B2My passport expired last month; I need to renew it.
El contrato vence en diciembre.
B1The contract runs out in December.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vencer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'vencer' in the sense of 'expiring'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *vincere*, which meant 'to conquer' or 'to triumph.' The Spanish word kept this core idea of achieving victory or overcoming something. The meaning related to deadlines evolved later, suggesting that the date 'conquers' or ends the validity.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vencer' always used when someone wins a game?
Not usually. While 'vencer' means 'to defeat,' Spanish speakers more commonly use 'ganar' (to win) when talking about simple victory in games or competitions. 'Vencer' is often reserved for defeating a strong opponent or conquering a difficult challenge or obstacle.
How do I know if 'vencer' means 'defeat' or 'expire'?
Look at the subject of the sentence. If the subject is a person, team, or abstract difficulty (fear, sadness), it means 'defeat' or 'overcome'. If the subject is a document, deadline, or date (pasaporte, plazo, contrato), it means 'expire' or 'be due'.