What is the difference between "lograr", "hacerla", "suceder" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to succeed' has several Spanish translations, each used in distinct contexts. Understanding these differences is key to using the correct Spanish word for achieving a goal, following in a role, or simply what happens next.

How to Say "to succeed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to succeed” is “lograr” — use 'lograr' when you mean to achieve or manage to do something, often implying effort or overcoming difficulty..

lograr🔊A2

Use 'lograr' when you mean to achieve or manage to do something, often implying effort or overcoming difficulty.

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hacerla🔊B1

Use 'hacerla' informally when you mean to succeed at a specific task or achieve a particular goal, often implying you 'pulled it off'.

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suceder🔊B1

Use 'suceder' when you mean to follow someone in a position, job, or role, like inheriting a title or taking over a responsibility.

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English → Spanish

lograr

loh-GRAR/loˈɣɾaɾ/

VerbA2General

Use 'lograr' when you mean to achieve or manage to do something, often implying effort or overcoming difficulty.

A brightly colored illustration of a small, triumphant character standing on a mountain peak, holding a small flag high above their head, symbolizing achievement.

Examples

Logró terminar la maratón a pesar de la lluvia.

He managed to finish the marathon despite the rain.

Siempre he querido lograr la paz interior.

I have always wanted to achieve inner peace.

Si trabajamos juntos, lograremos nuestros objetivos.

If we work together, we will achieve our goals.

Using 'Lograr' with Actions

When you want to say you succeeded in doing something, you usually follow 'lograr' directly with the action verb in its base form (infinitive), without needing a preposition like 'a' or 'de'. Example: 'Logré correr' (I succeeded in running).

Lograr vs. Tener Éxito

'Lograr' focuses on the successful completion of a specific task or goal. 'Tener éxito' is a broader phrase meaning 'to be successful' in general, often over a long period.

Using 'en' after Lograr

Mistake: “Logré en terminar el proyecto.”

Correction: Logré terminar el proyecto. ('Lograr' usually doesn't need 'en' when followed by an action.)

See full entry for “lograr” →

hacerla

ah-SEHR-lah/aˈθeɾla/

Idiomatic Verb PhraseB1Informal

Use 'hacerla' informally when you mean to succeed at a specific task or achieve a particular goal, often implying you 'pulled it off'.

A triumphant figure standing on the peak of a small, colorful hill, raising their arms in victory.

Examples

El examen era muy difícil, pero creo que la hice.

The exam was very difficult, but I think I succeeded (I pulled it off).

Si trabajas duro, vas a hacerla en esta compañía.

If you work hard, you are going to make it (succeed) in this company.

Llegamos tarde, pero logramos hacerla y entrar al concierto.

We arrived late, but we managed to make it and get into the concert.

Fixed 'La'

In this idiomatic phrase, the pronoun 'la' doesn't refer to a specific feminine noun. It's a fixed part of the expression, similar to saying 'to pull it off' in English, where 'it' doesn't refer to anything specific.

Assuming a Noun

Mistake: “Trying to figure out which feminine noun 'la' refers to when hearing this phrase.”

Correction: If the context is about achievement or success, treat 'hacerla' as a single unit meaning 'to succeed,' regardless of what specific task was involved.

See full entry for “hacerla” →

suceder

soo-seh-DEHR/su.θeˈðeɾ/

verbB1General

Use 'suceder' when you mean to follow someone in a position, job, or role, like inheriting a title or taking over a responsibility.

An older person handing a large golden key to a younger person, symbolizing the act of succeeding in a position.

Examples

El hijo del rey sucedió a su padre en el trono.

The king's son succeeded his father on the throne.

La crisis económica sucedió a un periodo de gran crecimiento.

The economic crisis followed a period of great growth.

Ella me sucederá como directora general.

She will succeed me as CEO.

Requires 'a'

When 'suceder' means 'to succeed' or 'to follow (someone)', it usually needs the preposition 'a' before the person or thing being followed: 'Sucede A la jefa' (He succeeds the boss).

False Cognate Warning

Mistake: “Do NOT use 'suceder' to mean 'to be successful' or 'to achieve a goal'.”

Correction: For 'to be successful', use 'tener éxito' or 'lograr'. 'Suceder' is only about sequence or occurrence.

See full entry for “suceder” →

Lograr vs. Suceder

The most common confusion is between 'lograr' (to achieve/manage) and 'suceder' (to follow/take over). Remember, 'lograr' is about personal accomplishment, while 'suceder' is about taking someone's place or position.

Related Translations

it happened→to achieve→to attain→to follow→to happen→to manage→to occur→

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