Inklingo

How to Say "reaches" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alcanza

ahl-KAHN-sah/alˈkansa/

verbA2general
Use 'alcanza' when referring to physically getting to or touching something, or when arriving at a destination or level.
A child stands on tiptoe, stretching their arm high to grasp a bright red apple hanging from a low tree branch.

Examples

El niño alcanza la pelota que rodó debajo del sofá.

The child reaches the ball that rolled under the sofa.

Ella siempre alcanza los libros de la estantería alta.

She always reaches the books on the high shelf.

¿Alcanza usted a ver el cartel desde aquí?

Can you (formal) reach/manage to see the sign from here?

¡Alcanza la pelota!

Reach for the ball! (Informal command)

Verbs Ending in -ZAR

The verb alcanzar is regular, but requires a spelling change from 'z' to 'c' when the next letter is 'e' (e.g., in the 'yo' preterite form: alcancé, or the entire present subjunctive).

Reaching vs. Arriving

Mistake: “Using 'alcanzar' when you just mean 'to arrive' at a place. For simple arrival, use 'llegar.'”

Correction: Use 'llegar' for 'He arrives at the station' (Él llega a la estación). Use 'alcanzar' for 'He reaches for the door handle' (Él alcanza la manija).

logra

/LO-grah//ˈlo.ɣɾa/

verbA2general
Use 'logra' when the meaning is to achieve, accomplish, or succeed in attaining a goal, objective, or desired outcome.
A hiker standing on a mountain peak with their arms raised in triumph.

Examples

Después de mucho esfuerzo, ella logra su objetivo de correr una maratón.

After much effort, she achieves her goal of running a marathon.

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.

Physical Reach vs. Goal Achievement

The most common mistake is using 'logra' for physical reaching. Remember, if you are talking about physically touching or getting to something, 'alcanza' is the correct choice. 'Logra' is reserved for succeeding in an endeavor or reaching a more abstract goal.

Related Translations

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