How to Say "succeeded" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “succeeded” is “funcionó” — use 'funcionó' when referring to an idea, plan, or object that worked or was effective..
funcionó
/foon-syoh-NOH//funθjoˈno/
Examples
Mi plan para ahorrar dinero funcionó bien este mes.
My plan to save money worked well this month.
La televisión no funcionó después de la tormenta.
The television didn't work after the storm.
Mi plan funcionó; conseguimos el dinero.
My plan worked; we got the money.
¿Funcionó la alarma que compraste?
Did the alarm you bought work?
The 'Preterite' Tense
This form, 'funcionó,' tells you that the action started and finished completely in the past, like a single event. (He/She/It/You formal worked.)
Funcionar vs. Trabajar
Mistake: “Using 'trabajó' when talking about a machine or plan.”
Correction: 'Trabajar' is for people or jobs. 'Funcionar' is for things, systems, or ideas. Say: 'El reloj funcionó' (The watch worked), not 'trabajó'.
sucedió
/su-seh-dee-OH//su.se.ˈðjo/
Examples
La princesa Leonor sucederá a su padre como jefa de estado.
Princess Leonor will succeed her father as head of state.
El rey Felipe VI sucedió a su padre, Juan Carlos I.
King Felipe VI succeeded his father, Juan Carlos I.
Al caos inicial sucedió un período de orden.
A period of order followed the initial chaos.
Use 'a' for People
When you say someone succeeded another person, you need to add the little word 'a' before the person who was succeeded. For example, 'El príncipe sucedió a la reina' (The prince succeeded the queen).
Funcionó vs. Sucedió
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.