What is the difference between "ganar", "derrotar", "golpear" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to beat' has several Spanish translations, depending on the context. You might use it to talk about winning a competition, physically hitting something, or defeating an opponent.

How to Say "to beat" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to beat” is “ganar” — use 'ganar' when you are referring to winning against an opponent or a team in a competition, like a game or a race..

ganar🔊B1

Use 'ganar' when you are referring to winning against an opponent or a team in a competition, like a game or a race.

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derrotar🔊B1

Use 'derrotar' specifically when one team or person defeats another, often implying a more formal or significant victory.

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golpear🔊A2

Use 'golpear' when you mean to physically hit something, especially repeatedly, like hitting a ball or striking an object.

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English → Spanish

ganar

/gah-NAR//ɡaˈnaɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'ganar' when you are referring to winning against an opponent or a team in a competition, like a game or a race.

Two cartoon athletes running a foot race, with one athlete clearly breaking the finish line tape ahead of the other.

Examples

Mi hermano me ganó en el ajedrez.

My brother beat me at chess.

Te gané en la carrera.

I beat you in the race.

Nuestro equipo le ganó al campeón del año pasado.

Our team beat last year's champion.

Es muy difícil ganarle a ella en ajedrez.

It's very difficult to beat her at chess.

Beating Someone

When you use 'ganar' to mean 'beat', you often put a little word like 'le' or 'les' right before it to point to the person you beat. For example, 'Le gané' (I beat him/her).

See full entry for “ganar” →

derrotar

/deh-rroh-TAHR//deroˈtaɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'derrotar' specifically when one team or person defeats another, often implying a more formal or significant victory.

A colorful illustration of a small blue bird standing atop a large mountain, looking down at a giant dragon that has fallen asleep.

Examples

El equipo local derrotó al visitante por un marcador de 3-0.

The local team defeated the visiting team by a score of 3-0.

Nuestro equipo derrotó al campeón el año pasado.

Our team defeated the champion last year.

El ajedrecista derrotó a su oponente en solo diez movimientos.

The chess player beat his opponent in only ten moves.

The 'Personal A'

When you use this word to talk about defeating a specific person or a group of people, you must use the word 'a' before them. Example: 'Derrotaron a los gigantes'.

Ganar vs. Derrotar

Mistake: “Using 'ganar' when referring to the person you beat.”

Correction: Say 'Derroté a mi hermano' (I defeated my brother) instead of 'Gané a mi hermano'. You 'ganar' (win) a trophy or a game, but you 'derrotar' (defeat) an opponent.

See full entry for “derrotar” →

golpear

/gol-pe-ar//ɡolpeˈaɾ/

verbA2general

Use 'golpear' when you mean to physically hit something, especially repeatedly, like hitting a ball or striking an object.

A close-up view of a hand holding a drumstick striking the surface of a vibrant, colorful drum.

Examples

El boxeador golpeó a su oponente con fuerza.

The boxer beat his opponent hard.

Tienes que golpear la pelota con fuerza para que cruce la red.

You have to hit the ball hard so it crosses the net.

Alguien está golpeando la puerta, ¿puedes abrir?

Someone is knocking on the door, can you open it?

El viento fuerte golpeaba las ventanas toda la noche.

The strong wind was striking the windows all night.

Direct Action Verb

Golpear is a transitive verb, meaning it needs a direct object (the thing receiving the action). For example: 'Golpeó el clavo' (He hit the nail).

Confusing 'Golpear' and 'Tocar'

Mistake: “Using 'tocar' when referring to a forceful impact ('Tocar la mesa').”

Correction: Use 'golpear' for forceful hitting or striking, and 'tocar' for light touching or playing an instrument. 'Golpea la mesa' (He hits the table).

See full entry for “golpear” →

Competition vs. Physical Impact

Learners often confuse 'ganar'/'derrotar' with 'golpear'. Remember that 'ganar' and 'derrotar' refer to winning or defeating in a contest, while 'golpear' is about physical hitting.

Related Translations

to defeat→to acquire→to conquer→to earn→to gain→to hit→to knock→to make→

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