Inklingo

How to Say "they reach" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llegan

YAY-gahn/ˈʎe.ɣan/

VerbB1general
Use 'llegan' when referring to prices, numbers, or abstract concepts attaining a specific level or limit.
A transparent glass jar that is completely full of colorful, small, polished marbles, illustrating maximum capacity.

Examples

Los precios llegan a un máximo histórico este mes.

Prices are reaching a historic high this month.

Si estudian mucho, llegan a la meta de ser bilingües.

If they study hard, they will reach the goal of being bilingual.

Las negociaciones llegan a un punto crítico.

The negotiations are reaching a critical point.

Figurative Use

In this abstract sense, 'llegar' still requires the preposition 'a' (to) before the target or goal, just like when talking about physical destinations.

lleguen

yeh-gehn/ˈʎe.ɣen/

VerbB1general
Use 'lleguen' when referring to people or things arriving at a destination or achieving a desired goal or moment.
A colorful illustration showing three stylized travelers standing happily at the entrance of a brightly colored wooden house, having just arrived.

Examples

Espero que los invitados lleguen pronto.

I hope the guests arrive soon.

No creo que las noticias lleguen a tiempo.

I don't think the news will arrive on time.

¡Señores, lleguen a la puerta principal inmediatamente!

Gentlemen, arrive at the main door immediately! (Formal command)

The Subjunctive Mood

This form ('lleguen') is used when you express desire, doubt, hope, or necessity regarding the arrival of 'them' or 'you (formal plural)'. It shows that the arrival is uncertain or depends on someone's feeling.

Formal Commands

When giving a formal command to a group of people ('ustedes'), you use this exact form: '¡Lleguen a tiempo!' (Arrive on time!).

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “No creo que ellos llegan.”

Correction: No creo que ellos lleguen. (When you express doubt or disbelief using 'no creer,' you must use the special subjunctive form.)

Limit vs. Arrival

Learners often confuse 'llegan' (reaching a limit/level) with 'lleguen' (arriving somewhere). Remember that 'llegan' is for abstract achievements like hitting a record, while 'lleguen' is for physical arrivals or meeting a goal.

Related Translations

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