How to Say "to succeed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to succeed” is “lograr” — use 'lograr' when you want to say someone managed to do something, often implying effort or overcoming difficulty.
lograr
loh-GRARloˈɣɾaɾ
Examples
Logré terminar la maratón a pesar de la lluvia.
I managed to finish the marathon despite the rain.
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.)
triunfar
tree-oon-FAHRtɾjunˈfaɾ
Examples
Ella trabajó mucho para triunfar en su carrera.
She worked hard to succeed in her career.
Nuestro equipo triunfó en el torneo nacional.
Our team won the national tournament.
Esta receta de tarta siempre triunfa en las fiestas.
This cake recipe is always a hit at parties.
Using 'en' with Triunfar
When you want to say what area someone succeeded in, use the word 'en' (in). For example: 'Triunfó en los negocios' (He succeeded in business).
A Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, making it very predictable and easy to conjugate!
Triunfar vs. Éxito
Mistake: “Yo triunfo mucho.”
Correction: Tengo mucho éxito (if you mean 'I have success') or 'Yo triunfo' (if you mean 'I am winning/succeeding' in a specific moment). 'Triunfar' is the action, while 'éxito' is the noun meaning success.
funcionar
foon-syoh-NARfunθjoˈnaɾ
Examples
Intentamos el negocio, pero simplemente no funcionó.
We tried the business, but it simply didn't work out/succeed.
Si este plan no funciona, tendremos que buscar otra solución.
If this plan doesn't work (succeed), we will have to look for another solution.
Dicen que las relaciones a larga distancia pueden funcionar.
They say that long-distance relationships can work (be successful).
hacerla
ah-SEHR-lahaˈθeɾla
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.
suceder
soo-seh-DEHRsu.θeˈðeɾ
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.
prosperar
prohs-peh-RAHRpɾospeˈɾaɾ
Examples
La huelga no prosperó por falta de apoyo.
The strike did not succeed due to a lack of support.
Su demanda no prosperó en el tribunal.
His lawsuit did not go through in court.
Es poco probable que esa propuesta prospere.
It is unlikely that that proposal will move forward.
Actions for Ideas
When an idea or plan 'prosperas', it means it is accepted or moves to the next stage.
pete
peh-tehˈpete
Examples
Espero que mi ordenador no pete hoy.
I hope my computer doesn't crash today.
Ojalá que tu nueva canción lo pete en Spotify.
I hope your new song makes it big on Spotify.
¡Que pete todo!
Let it all blow up! / Let it all happen!
The 'Pete' Form
In this context, 'pete' is the special form of the verb 'petar' used when you are expressing a wish, a doubt, or using the word 'ojalá' (I hope).
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Mistake: “Espero que esto peta.”
Correction: Espero que esto pete.
General vs. Specific Success
Related Translations
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