How to Say "to prevail" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to prevail” is “prevalecer” — use this word when you mean to triumph, win out, or overcome something, often in a struggle or over time..
prevalecer
/pre-bah-leh-SEHR//pɾeβaleˈθeɾ/
Examples
Al final, la verdad siempre prevalecerá sobre la mentira.
In the end, the truth will always prevail over the lie.
En esta región suelen prevalecer los vientos del norte.
In this region, north winds tend to predominate.
Debemos dejar que el sentido común prevalezca en esta discusión.
We must let common sense prevail in this discussion.
The 'ZC' Spelling Change
For the 'I' form (yo) in the present and all of the 'wishes and commands' form (subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'zc'. This helps keep the soft 's' sound before an 'o' or 'a'.
Using the preposition 'sobre'
When you want to say one thing wins out 'over' another, use the word 'sobre' right after the verb.
Misspelling the 'Yo' form
Mistake: “Yo prevaleco.”
Correction: Yo prevalezco. Remember that verbs ending in -ecer usually add a 'z' before the 'c' in the first person.
predominar
/pray-doh-mee-NAR//pɾeðomiˈnaɾ/
Examples
En esta pintura predominan los tonos azules y verdes.
In this painting, blue and green tones stand out the most.
En el norte del país, predomina un clima muy frío.
In the north of the country, a very cold climate prevails.
A pesar de la discusión, predominó el sentido común.
Despite the argument, common sense prevailed.
Using the preposition 'en'
To say where something is most common, use 'en'. For example: 'Predomina en la región' (It predominates in the region).
Regular AR verb
Good news! This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar'. You don't have to worry about any weird spelling changes.
Don't confuse with 'dominar'
Mistake: “Él predomina tres idiomas.”
Correction: Él domina tres idiomas. Use 'dominar' for mastering a skill or controlling a person; use 'predominar' for when something is the most frequent or visible element in a group.
primar
/pree-MAHR//pɾiˈmaɾ/
Examples
En este diseño debe primar la sencillez.
In this design, simplicity must prevail.
Los intereses personales no pueden primar sobre el bien común.
Personal interests cannot take precedence over the common good.
En la decisión final primó el criterio económico.
The economic criteria was the deciding factor in the final decision.
Using 'sobre' for comparison
When you want to say one thing is more important than another, use the word 'sobre' after 'primar'.
Abstract Subjects
This verb is almost always used with abstract concepts like 'quality', 'safety', or 'interests' as the main focus.
Confusing with 'primero'
Mistake: “Es primar que lleguemos tarde.”
Correction: Es mejor que lleguemos primero.
regir
/reh-HEER//reˈxiɾ/
Examples
Estas leyes ya no rigen en este país.
These laws are no longer in force in this country.
Las normas que rigen el juego son muy claras.
The rules that apply to the game are very clear.
El horario de invierno rige a partir de mañana.
The winter schedule takes effect starting tomorrow.
Use with inanimate objects
In this sense, the word is usually used with things like 'leyes' (laws), 'normas' (rules), or 'precios' (prices) as the subject.
Confusing with 'regalar'
Mistake: “Me rigieron un libro.”
Correction: Me regalaron un libro. (Regir means to rule or apply, not to give a gift).
Prevalecer vs. Predominar
Related Translations
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