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How to Say "to gain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganar

gah-NARɡaˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'ganar' when referring to gaining weight, speed, experience, confidence, or winning something like a game or a prize.
A streamlined red car rapidly accelerating on a curved road, illustrating the action of gaining speed.

Examples

He ganado mucha experiencia trabajando aquí.

I have gained a lot of experience working here.

He ganado un poco de peso durante las vacaciones.

I've gained a little weight during the holidays.

Con el tiempo, ganó el respeto de sus colegas.

Over time, he gained the respect of his colleagues.

El coche ganó velocidad en la autopista.

The car gained speed on the highway.

adquirir

ad-kee-REERaðkiˈɾiɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'adquirir' primarily for the formal acquisition of possessions, knowledge, skills, or habits, often implying a more deliberate process than 'ganar'.
A child happily receiving a shiny new bicycle as a gift.

Examples

Necesitas adquirir nuevas habilidades para este puesto.

You need to acquire new skills for this position.

Quiero adquirir una nueva casa cerca del mar.

I want to acquire (buy) a new house near the sea.

Ella ha adquirido mucha experiencia en este trabajo.

She has gained a lot of experience in this job.

Es importante adquirir buenos hábitos desde joven.

It is important to acquire (pick up) good habits from a young age.

The 'i' to 'ie' Vowel Change

In many forms, the 'i' in the middle of 'adquirir' changes to 'ie' when you stress that part of the word (e.g., 'yo adquiero'). This only happens in the present tense and commands.

A More Formal 'Comprar'

While 'comprar' is for everyday items like milk or bread, 'adquirir' is used for more significant things like property, businesses, or intellectual rights.

Forgot the vowel change

Mistake: “Yo adquiro una casa.”

Correction: Yo adquiero una casa. (Remember, the 'i' needs to split into 'ie' when it's the main beat of the word!)

cobrar

koh-BRAHRkoˈβɾaɾ

verbC1idiomatic
Use 'cobrar' specifically when gaining abstract qualities like strength, courage, or momentum, often in dynamic or metaphorical situations.
A small, previously timid figure standing tall with a look of determination, symbolizing the acquisition of strength or courage.

Examples

La protesta cobró fuerza con cada día que pasaba.

The protest gained strength with each passing day.

El equipo cobró ánimo después del gol de empate.

The team gained courage/spirit after the tying goal.

El tema de la inflación está cobrando mucha importancia en la política actual.

The issue of inflation is taking on (or gaining) a lot of importance in current politics.

Figurative Use

In this meaning, 'cobrar' acts as a stand-in for 'to acquire' or 'to assume' when talking about abstract qualities like courage, importance, or life.

Ganar vs. Adquirir

Learners often confuse 'ganar' and 'adquirir'. Remember that 'ganar' is more common for everyday gains like weight or experience, and also for winning. 'Adquirir' is more formal and implies a deliberate process of obtaining something, like a skill or a habit.

Related Translations

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