Inklingo

How to Say "to achieve" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to achieve” is “lograr” — use 'lograr' when you want to express successfully reaching a goal or objective, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles.

lograr🔊A2

Use 'lograr' when you want to express successfully reaching a goal or objective, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles.

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alcanzar🔊B1

Use 'alcanzar' when referring to reaching a specific goal, status, or level, often a point in time or space.

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obtener🔊C1

Use 'obtener' when you want to convey successfully reaching a goal, qualification, or obtaining something tangible or intangible.

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completar🔊A1

Use 'completar' when the focus is on finishing a required amount, a task, or reaching a certain level of completion.

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sacarte🔊A2

Use 'sacarte' (from 'sacar') when talking about obtaining a specific result, especially a grade or score, often through effort.

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cosechar🔊B2

Use 'cosechar' metaphorically to talk about obtaining success or positive results, often after hard work, similar to reaping a harvest.

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English → Spanish

lograr

loh-GRARloˈɣɾaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'lograr' when you want to express successfully reaching a goal or objective, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles.
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.)

alcanzar

al-kan-SARal.kanˈθaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'alcanzar' when referring to reaching a specific goal, status, or level, often a point in time or space.
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).

obtener

ob-teh-NEHRoβ.teˈneɾ

verbC1general
Use 'obtener' when you want to convey successfully reaching a goal, qualification, or obtaining something tangible or intangible.
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-TARkom.pleˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'completar' when the focus is on finishing a required amount, a task, or reaching a certain level of completion.
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.

sacarte

sah-KAR-tehsaˈkaɾte

contractionA2informal
Use 'sacarte' (from 'sacar') when talking about obtaining a specific result, especially a grade or score, often through effort.
A smiling student proudly holding up a large, shiny gold star sticker, illustrating success in obtaining a good grade.

Examples

Tienes que estudiar mucho para sacarte esa nota.

You have to study a lot to get that grade.

Es fácil sacarte un boleto en esa rifa.

It's easy to get a ticket in that raffle.

¿Lograste sacarte el carné de conducir?

Did you manage to get your driver's license?

Reflexive Use for Achievement

When 'sacar' means 'to get' or 'to obtain' (like a grade or license), it is often used reflexively as 'sacarse'. The 'te' indicates that the action is done by you, for your own benefit.

cosechar

ko-seh-CHARkoseˈt͡ʃaɾ

verbB2figurative
Use 'cosechar' metaphorically to talk about obtaining success or positive results, often after hard work, similar to reaping a harvest.
A person smiling while holding a large, shiny golden trophy in a bright field.

Examples

Ella ha cosechado muchos éxitos en su carrera profesional.

She has achieved many successes in her professional career.

Su nueva película cosechó muy buenas críticas.

His new movie earned very good reviews.

Cosecharás lo que siembres.

You will reap what you sow.

Metaphorical Meaning

Just like in English, agricultural words are often used to talk about the 'results' of our hard work.

Positive vs. Negative

Mistake: “Thinking 'cosechar' is only for good things.”

Correction: You can 'cosechar' good things (success) or bad things (criticism/hatred), depending on what you 'planted' (did) before.

Confusing 'lograr', 'alcanzar', and 'obtener'

Learners often confuse 'lograr' (achieve a goal/objective), 'alcanzar' (reach a level/status), and 'obtener' (obtain a qualification/result). While 'lograr' and 'alcanzar' can sometimes overlap when referring to goals, 'obtener' is more about the act of acquiring something specific, like a degree or a prize.

Related Translations

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