Inklingo

How to Say "to achieve" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to achieve” is “alcanzar” — use 'alcanzar' when talking about reaching a goal, status, or level that requires effort or time..

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alcanzar

/al-kan-SAR//al.kanˈθaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'alcanzar' when talking about reaching a goal, status, or level that requires effort or time.
A simplified figure standing triumphantly on the summit of a snowy mountain peak, raising one hand in victory.

Examples

Ella quiere alcanzar sus sueños de ser doctora.

She wants to achieve her dreams of becoming a doctor.

La temperatura alcanzó los 40 grados hoy.

The temperature reached 40 degrees today.

Gracias a su trabajo duro, alcanzó el éxito financiero.

Thanks to his hard work, he attained financial success.

Transitive Verb Use

In this meaning, alcanzar always needs a direct object (the thing you are achieving): 'alcanzar el objetivo' (to achieve the objective).

lograr

loh-GRAR/loˈɣɾaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'lograr' to describe successfully completing a goal or objective, often implying overcoming some difficulty.
A brightly colored illustration of a small, triumphant character standing on a mountain peak, holding a small flag high above their head, symbolizing achievement.

Examples

Logró terminar la maratón a pesar de la lluvia.

He managed to finish the marathon despite the rain.

Siempre he querido lograr la paz interior.

I have always wanted to achieve inner peace.

Si trabajamos juntos, lograremos nuestros objetivos.

If we work together, we will achieve our goals.

Using 'Lograr' with Actions

When you want to say you succeeded in doing something, you usually follow 'lograr' directly with the action verb in its base form (infinitive), without needing a preposition like 'a' or 'de'. Example: 'Logré correr' (I succeeded in running).

Lograr vs. Tener Éxito

'Lograr' focuses on the successful completion of a specific task or goal. 'Tener éxito' is a broader phrase meaning 'to be successful' in general, often over a long period.

Using 'en' after Lograr

Mistake: “Logré en terminar el proyecto.”

Correction: Logré terminar el proyecto. ('Lograr' usually doesn't need 'en' when followed by an action.)

obtener

ob-teh-NEHR/oβ.teˈneɾ/

verbC1
Choose 'obtener' when you mean to successfully acquire or gain something, like a qualification, a result, or an object.
A small figure standing triumphantly on the peak of a small, grassy hill, raising both arms in a gesture of success, symbolizing achievement.

Examples

Después de años de estudio, por fin obtuvo su doctorado.

After years of study, he finally achieved his doctorate.

El equipo necesita obtener una victoria para clasificar.

The team needs to secure a victory to qualify.

completar

/kom-ple-TAR//kom.pleˈtaɾ/

verbA1
Use 'completar' when the focus is on finishing a task, filling a requirement, or reaching a specific quantity.
A cheerful cartoon character holding a marker and drawing a large green checkmark over a simple drawing of a completed task list.

Examples

Necesito completar la tarea antes de irme.

I need to complete the homework before I leave.

Ella completó el maratón en menos de cuatro horas.

She finished the marathon in less than four hours.

¿Puedes completar las instrucciones que faltan?

Can you complete the missing instructions?

A Regular Verb

Since 'completar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common Spanish conjugation pattern, making it easy to learn.

Using 'Terminar' vs. 'Completar'

Mistake: “Using 'Terminar' when you mean 'to make whole' (e.g., 'Terminar la colección').”

Correction: 'Completar' often implies filling a gap or reaching 100%, while 'terminar' just means stopping or ending something.

sacarse

verbA2informal
Use 'sacarse' specifically when talking about obtaining a grade or a qualification, often in an academic context.

Examples

Tienes que estudiar mucho para sacarte esa nota.

You have to study a lot to get that grade.

Goal vs. Completion

Learners often confuse 'alcanzar'/'lograr' (achieving a goal) with 'completar' (finishing a task). Remember that 'alcanzar' and 'lograr' focus on the outcome or objective itself, while 'completar' emphasizes the act of finishing or fulfilling something specific.

Related Translations

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