Inklingo

How to Say "to reach" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to reach” is “llegar” — use 'llegar' when referring to something extending to a certain point, like a garment's length, or a metaphorical point.

English → Spanish

llegar

yeh-GARʝeˈɣaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'llegar' when referring to something extending to a certain point, like a garment's length, or a metaphorical point.
The bottom half of a figure wearing a bright red skirt that precisely reaches the top of the knees, illustrating physical extent.

Examples

La piscina olímpica tiene 50 metros de largo, pero no creo que mi brazada llegue tan lejos.

The Olympic pool is 50 meters long, but I don't think my stroke reaches that far.

La falda me llega hasta las rodillas.

The skirt reaches my knees.

Con este dinero, no nos llega para las entradas.

With this money, it's not enough for the tickets.

Espero que la comida llegue para todos los invitados.

I hope the food is enough for all the guests.

alcanzar

al-kan-SARal.kanˈθaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'alcanzar' for physically getting to something that is at a distance or height, often requiring effort.
A child standing on tiptoes, stretching their hand upwards to reach a brightly colored toy sitting on a high shelf.

Examples

Necesito una silla para alcanzar la caja en la parte superior del armario.

I need a chair to reach the box on top of the closet.

¿Puedes alcanzar el libro que está en el estante de arriba?

Can you reach the book that is on the top shelf?

Llegamos tarde, pero alcanzamos a ver el final del partido.

We arrived late, but we managed to catch (reach) the end of the game.

Alcanza la sal, por favor.

Pass the salt, please. (Literally: Reach me the salt.)

Z to C Spelling Change

In forms where the sound 'z' must come before 'e' (like the 'yo' preterite or the entire present subjunctive), the spelling changes from 'z' to 'c' (e.g., alcanzo but alcancé and alcance).

Confusing 'Reach' and 'Arrive'

Mistake: “Using *llegar* when meaning to physically reach for something.”

Correction: Use *alcanzar* for physical reaching or handing something; use *llegar* for arriving at a destination.

ganar

gah-NARɡaˈnaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'ganar' when 'to reach' implies achieving a difficult goal, like a summit, a final destination, or the shore after a struggle.
A person wearing hiking gear standing triumphantly on the rocky, snow-capped summit of a large mountain.

Examples

Después de una larga caminata, finalmente ganamos la cima de la montaña.

After a long hike, we finally reached the mountain summit.

Tras horas de escalada, por fin ganamos la cumbre.

After hours of climbing, we finally reached the summit.

Los náufragos nadaron con todas sus fuerzas hasta ganar la orilla.

The castaways swam with all their might until they reached the shore.

arribar

ah-rree-BARa.riˈβaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'arribar' specifically for arriving at a destination after a journey, especially by sea or air.
A white ship pulling into a calm harbor at sunset.

Examples

El barco arribó al muelle con retraso debido a la tormenta.

The ship reached the dock late due to the storm.

El crucero arribó al puerto de Barcelona esta mañana.

The cruise ship arrived at the port of Barcelona this morning.

Muchos inmigrantes arriban a las costas buscando una vida mejor.

Many immigrants arrive at the coasts looking for a better life.

Espero que los suministros arriben a tiempo para la emergencia.

I hope the supplies arrive in time for the emergency.

Using 'a' for Destinations

Just like 'llegar', when you talk about the place you are arriving at, you must use the word 'a' (to). For example: 'Arribar a la ciudad'.

Arribar vs. Arriba

Mistake: “Using 'arribar' when you mean 'up' (arriba).”

Correction: Use 'arriba' for location (upstairs) and 'arribar' only as a verb for arriving. For example, 'Está arriba' (It's upstairs), not 'Está arribar'.

pillar

pee-YARpiˈʎaɾ

verbA2informal
Use 'pillar' informally to mean catching or getting on a mode of transport like a bus or train.
A child catching a colorful ball in mid-air with their hands.

Examples

Si no corres, no pillarás el autobús.

If you don't run, you won't reach/catch the bus.

¡Corre, que no me pillas!

Run, you can't catch me!

Tengo que pillar el autobús de las ocho.

I have to catch the eight o'clock bus.

Pilla las llaves antes de salir.

Grab the keys before leaving.

Using 'Pillar' for Transport

In Spain, 'pillar' is often used instead of 'tomar' or 'coger' for catching a bus or train in casual speech.

Pillar vs. Coger

Mistake: “Using 'pillar' for making a phone call.”

Correction: Use 'coger el teléfono' (to answer) or 'llamar' (to call). 'Pillar' is for catching something moving or grabbing it.

Llegar vs. Alcanzar

Learners often confuse 'llegar' and 'alcanzar'. Remember, 'alcanzar' is for physically getting to something at a distance, while 'llegar' is about something extending to a point or arriving at a destination.

Related Translations

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