How to Say "success" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “success” is “éxito” — use this for a general positive outcome, achievement, or favorable result, like a successful event or venture.
éxito
Examples
La conferencia fue un gran éxito.
The conference was a great success.
logro
loh-grohˈloɣɾo
Examples
Terminar la carrera fue un gran logro personal.
Finishing the race was a huge personal achievement.
Sus logros académicos le abrieron muchas puertas.
His academic accomplishments opened many doors for him.
El equipo celebró el logro del campeonato con una fiesta.
The team celebrated the success of the championship with a party.
Masculine Noun Rule
Since 'logro' is a masculine noun, it must be used with masculine articles and adjectives: 'el logro' (the achievement), 'un logro' (an achievement), 'muchos logros' (many achievements).
Confusing Logro and Meta
Mistake: “Using 'meta' when you mean the result, not the goal itself. E.g., 'Mi meta fue un éxito.'”
Correction: Use 'meta' for the goal (the target) and 'logro' for the successful result. 'Alcanzar la meta fue un gran logro.' (Reaching the goal was a great achievement.)
triunfo
TREE-oon-fohˈtɾiunfo
Examples
El equipo celebró el triunfo con una fiesta enorme.
The team celebrated the victory with a huge party.
Su mayor triunfo fue terminar la universidad mientras trabajaba a tiempo completo.
His greatest triumph was finishing university while working full-time.
Obtener la beca fue un triunfo personal para ella.
Getting the scholarship was a personal triumph for her.
Gender Check
Remember that 'triunfo' is a masculine noun, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el triunfo'.
acierto
ah-SYEHR-tohaˈsjeɾto
Examples
He tenido cinco aciertos en el examen de conducir.
I had five correct answers on the driving test.
Contratar a esa nueva empleada fue un gran acierto.
Hiring that new employee was a great success.
Sus palabras estuvieron llenas de acierto y prudencia.
His words were full of wisdom and caution.
Masculine Naming Word
Acierto is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el acierto').
Specific vs. General Success
Use 'acierto' for a specific correct action or answer, whereas 'éxito' is used for general fame or broad achievement.
Acierto vs. Éxito
Mistake: “Tuve muchos éxitos en mi examen.”
Correction: Tuve muchos aciertos en mi examen. 'Éxito' sounds like you won an award for the exam; 'acierto' means you got the questions right.
hit
jitxit
Examples
Su nueva canción es un hit en todo el mundo.
Their new song is a hit all over the world.
Esa película fue el gran hit del verano.
That movie was the big hit of the summer.
Esperamos que este producto sea un hit de ventas.
We hope this product is a sales hit.
Gender of English Loanwords
Most English words borrowed into Spanish that refer to things (not people) are treated as masculine. This is why we say 'el hit'.
The 'H' Sound
While the Spanish 'H' is usually silent, in the word 'hit' (borrowed from English), many people pronounce it like a soft 'J' sound (/x/).
Using 'hit' for physical hitting
Mistake: “Él me dio un hit en el brazo.”
Correction: Él me dio un golpe en el brazo. In Spanish, 'hit' only means a success or a sports term, not a physical punch or strike.
boom
/boom/ (like the English word)bum
Examples
El país experimentó un boom inmobiliario en los años 90.
The country experienced a real estate boom in the 90s.
Estamos viviendo el boom de la música urbana a nivel mundial.
We are currently experiencing the boom of urban music worldwide.
El boom demográfico puso presión en los servicios públicos.
The demographic surge put pressure on public services.
Gender Rule
Even though 'boom' comes from English, in Spanish it is always treated as masculine: 'el boom'. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it.
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “La boom”
Correction: El boom. Always use 'el' for this word, as it is a masculine noun.
Éxito vs. Logro: General vs. Specific
Related Translations
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