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How to Say "successful" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “successful” is “exitoso” — use 'exitoso' when describing a person, place, or thing that has achieved popularity, profit, or a desired outcome, especially in a professional or public context..

English → Spanish

exitoso

/eh-hee-TOH-soh//eksiˈtoso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'exitoso' when describing a person, place, or thing that has achieved popularity, profit, or a desired outcome, especially in a professional or public context.
A smiling person standing on top of a mountain peak, raising their arms in triumph under a bright sun.

Examples

Ella es una abogada muy exitosa en Madrid.

She is a very successful lawyer in Madrid.

El lanzamiento del nuevo producto fue muy exitoso.

The launch of the new product was very successful.

Queremos tener un negocio exitoso.

We want to have a successful business.

Matching Gender and Number

This word changes its ending to match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'exitoso' for one male/masculine thing, 'exitosa' for one female/feminine thing, and add an 's' for plurals (exitosos/exitosas).

Using with 'Ser'

Since success is often seen as a characteristic or a lasting state, we almost always use the verb 'ser' (to be) instead of 'estar'.

The 'Exit' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'exitoso' to mean someone is near an 'exit' (doorway).”

Correction: The word for a physical 'exit' is 'salida'. 'Exitoso' only refers to achievement and success.

logrado

loh-GRAH-doh/loˈɣɾaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'logrado' to describe an outcome or effort that has been achieved or accomplished, emphasizing the completion or success of a task or project.
A small, cheerful cartoon figure standing victoriously on the top of a brightly colored hill, raising both arms in the air.

Examples

Su última película fue un trabajo muy logrado.

His latest film was a very successful piece of work.

Es un empresario joven y muy logrado.

He is a young and very accomplished businessman.

La foto de la portada está muy lograda, tiene una luz perfecta.

The cover photo is very well-executed; it has perfect lighting.

Agreement is Key

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'logrado' must change its ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: lograda, logrados, logradas.

Using it with Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “La pintura está lograda.”

Correction: La pintura es lograda. (It is a successful work). 'Logrado' usually describes a stable quality or the nature of the achievement, so it commonly uses *ser*.

ganadora

/gah-nah-DOR-ah//ɡanaˈðoɾa/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ganadora' specifically when referring to something that has the qualities of a winner or has won, often used for items like cards or potential prizes.
A bright gold medal with a red ribbon resting on a podium.

Examples

Tengo la carta ganadora.

I have the winning card.

Presentaron una propuesta ganadora.

They presented a winning proposal.

Describing Feminine Words

Use 'ganadora' to describe things that are grammatically feminine, like 'una idea' or 'una jugada'.

ganador

gah-nah-DOR/ga.naˈðoɾ/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ganador' to describe an attitude or spirit that is characterized by a desire to win or that embodies the qualities of a winner, often applied to teams or individuals with a competitive mindset.
Five joyful soccer players in matching blue jerseys celebrating a victory on a bright green field by high-fiving each other.

Examples

Tienen un espíritu ganador que los impulsa.

They have a winning spirit that drives them.

Esta estrategia no es ganadora; necesitamos cambiarla.

This strategy is not a winning one; we need to change it.

El equipo visitante tuvo el tiro ganador en el último segundo.

The visiting team had the winning shot in the last second.

Agreement is Key

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'ganador' must match the thing it describes in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'estrategia ganadora' (feminine singular).

Positioning

Mistake: “Sometimes learners forget that adjectives often go after the noun: 'un ganador espíritu.'”

Correction: It usually sounds most natural after the noun: 'un espíritu ganador' (a winning spirit).

Exitoso vs. Logrado

Learners often confuse 'exitoso' and 'logrado'. Remember that 'exitoso' is broader, applying to people and things that are popular or profitable, while 'logrado' focuses more on the successful completion of a specific task or effort.

Related Translations

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