Inklingo

How to Say "achieves" in Spanish

English → Spanish

logra

/LO-grah//ˈlo.ɣɾa/

verbA2general
Use 'logra' when talking about successfully reaching a significant goal or obtaining something desired through effort.
A hiker standing on a mountain peak with their arms raised in triumph.

Examples

Ella logra todas sus metas.

She achieves all her goals.

El equipo logra la victoria en el último minuto.

The team reaches victory in the last minute.

Who is 'Logra' describing?

Use 'logra' when talking about a person (he/she), a single thing (it), or when addressing someone formally as 'usted' in the present tense.

The Imperative Command

This same word 'logra' is also used to give a friendly command to someone you know well (like saying 'Achieve it!').

Success vs. Achieve

Mistake: “Using 'logra' to simply mean 'is successful'.”

Correction: Use 'tiene éxito' for general success. Use 'logra' when you want to mention a specific thing that was achieved.

obtiene

ohb-tee-EH-neh/oβˈtje.ne/

verbA1general
Use 'obtiene' when the focus is on acquiring, receiving, or getting something tangible or an official result.
A colorful illustration showing a simplified figure smiling while successfully holding a large red apple they just acquired.

Examples

Ella obtiene el permiso después de llenar los formularios.

She obtains the permit after filling out the forms.

El equipo obtiene la victoria con un gol de último minuto.

The team gets the victory with a last-minute goal.

¿Cómo obtiene usted tanta información?

How do you (formal) obtain so much information?

Identifying the Speaker

The form 'obtiene' is used when the person doing the action is 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), or the formal way of saying 'you' (usted). It is a present-tense action happening now or habitually.

Irregularity Pattern

The base verb 'obtener' is irregular because it follows the pattern of the highly common verb 'tener' (to have). Notice the 'o' becomes 'e' in the 'yo' form (obtengo), just like 'tengo'.

Confusing 'Obtiene' and 'Tiene'

Mistake: “Using 'obtiene' when you mean 'tiene' (has).”

Correction: 'Obtiene' means 'gets' or 'acquires,' while 'tiene' means 'already has.' They are related but not interchangeable. Correct: Él tiene un coche (He has a car). Incorrect: Él obtiene un coche (unless you mean he is currently acquiring it).

alcanza

ahl-KAHN-sah/alˈkansa/

verbB1general
Use 'alcanza' when referring to reaching a specific level, status, or a physical destination.
A stylized, smiling hiker stands triumphantly on the grassy summit of a mountain, raising one arm in celebration of reaching the goal.

Examples

Si estudia mucho, alcanza el nivel B2 este año.

If he studies hard, he achieves the B2 level this year.

Ella alcanza una gran reputación en su campo.

She attains a great reputation in her field.

Logra vs. Obtiene

Learners often confuse 'logra' and 'obtiene'. Remember that 'logra' implies effort towards a goal, while 'obtiene' is about the act of receiving or acquiring something concrete, like a document or prize.

Related Translations

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