Inklingo

How to Say "to overcome" in Spanish

English → Spanish

superar

/soo-peh-RAHR//su.peˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'superar' when talking about getting past a difficulty, obstacle, or personal challenge like shyness or a past trauma.
A small, determined figure easily leaping over a tall, smooth stone wall, symbolizing overcoming a difficult obstacle.

Examples

Ella logró superar la timidez y hablar en público.

She managed to overcome her shyness and speak in public.

Necesitamos superar este obstáculo económico para seguir adelante.

We need to get past this economic obstacle to move forward.

Le costó mucho tiempo superar la pérdida de su mascota.

It took him a long time to get over the loss of his pet.

Direct Use

Unlike 'get over' in English, 'superar' is often used directly before the thing you are overcoming, without needing a preposition like 'de' or 'a'.

Confusing 'Superar' and 'Vencer'

Mistake: “Usando 'vencer' para una enfermedad ('Venció la gripe').”

Correction: Use 'superar' when dealing with internal, personal difficulties or illnesses. 'Vencer' usually implies defeating an opponent or winning a battle.

derrotar

/deh-rroh-TAHR//deroˈtaɾ/

verbB2general
Choose 'derrotar' when you mean to conquer or defeat something internal, like fears, doubts, or vices.
A colorful illustration of a person climbing out of a dark, shadowy hole into a bright, flowery meadow.

Examples

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.

salvar

/sal-BAR//salˈβaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'salvar' specifically when you need to get past or get around external obstacles or difficult situations.
A small, determined character standing victoriously on the highest peak of a large, jagged mountain obstacle, raising a fist in triumph.

Examples

Tuvo que salvar muchos obstáculos para lograr su sueño.

She had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream.

El nuevo puente salva el río, conectando las dos ciudades.

The new bridge crosses (bridges) the river, connecting the two cities.

Salvando las distancias, nuestros problemas son similares.

Bridging the differences (or 'differences aside'), our problems are similar.

General vs. Specific 'Overcome'

Learners often use 'derrotar' or 'salvar' for general difficulties when 'superar' is the correct choice. Remember that 'derrotar' is for internal battles and 'salvar' is for external hurdles, while 'superar' is the most versatile option for overcoming challenges.

Related Translations

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