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How to Say "to conquer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conquistar

kohn-kees-TAHRkoŋkisˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'conquistar' when referring to the act of taking over land, territory, or a place, often through military force or exploration.
A brave knight planting a colorful flag on top of a grassy hill to claim the land.

Examples

Los romanos conquistaron gran parte de Europa.

The Romans conquered a large part of Europe.

Alejandro Magno conquistó muchos territorios.

Alexander the Great conquered many territories.

Es difícil conquistar un país tan grande.

It is difficult to conquer such a large country.

Standard -ar verb

This verb follows the usual rules for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to use 'hablar', you can use 'conquistar'!

Confusion with 'Ganar'

Mistake: “Using 'conquistar' for winning a simple game.”

Correction: Use 'ganar' for games or prizes. 'Conquistar' is for taking over something through effort or force.

derrotar

deh-rroh-TAHRderoˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'derrotar' metaphorically to mean overcoming or defeating something abstract like fears, bad habits, or an opponent in a non-military context.
A colorful illustration of a person climbing out of a dark, shadowy hole into a bright, flowery meadow.

Examples

Ella derrotó sus inseguridades y consiguió el trabajo.

She overcame her insecurities and got the job.

Tienes que derrotar tus miedos para seguir adelante.

You have to overcome your fears to move forward.

Finalmente, él derrotó su adicción al tabaco.

Finally, he conquered his addiction to tobacco.

someter

so-meh-TEHRsomeˈteɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'someter' when the focus is on bringing a group or place under complete military or physical control, often implying subjugation.
A powerful knight gently holding down a small dragon on the ground.

Examples

El dictador sometió a la oposición política.

The dictator subdued the political opposition.

El ejército sometió a la ciudad rebelde tras un largo sitio.

The army subdued the rebel city after a long siege.

Es difícil someter los impulsos naturales con pura voluntad.

It is difficult to bring natural impulses under control with pure willpower.

La policía logró someter al sospechoso sin usar violencia.

The police managed to overpower the suspect without using violence.

Using 'a' with People

Since this word usually involves doing something to a person or group, you must use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Sometieron a los enemigos' (They subdued the enemies).

Confusing with 'Submitting' Homework

Mistake: “Sometí mi tarea ayer.”

Correction: Entregué mi tarea ayer.

Conquistar vs. Derrotar

Learners often confuse 'conquistar' and 'derrotar'. Remember that 'conquistar' is usually for physical places or territories, while 'derrotar' is more common for abstract concepts like fears or personal challenges.

Related Translations

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