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How to Say "to win" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to win” is “ganar” — use 'ganar' when talking about winning competitions, games, prizes, or lotteries in a general sense.

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ganar

gah-NARɡaˈnaɾ

VerbA1General
Use 'ganar' when talking about winning competitions, games, prizes, or lotteries in a general sense.
A joyful cartoon child standing on a podium, holding a large golden trophy high above their head.

Examples

Mi equipo favorito ganó el partido de fútbol.

My favorite team won the soccer game.

¡Ojalá gane la lotería!

I hope I win the lottery!

Ella ganó el primer premio en el concurso.

She won first prize in the contest.

triunfar

tree-oon-FAHRtɾjunˈfaɾ

VerbA2General
Use 'triunfar' to express achieving victory or success, often after significant effort, in a competition, battle, or career.
A hiker standing on the very top of a mountain peak with their arms raised in celebration.

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.

tocarse

VerbB1General
Use 'tocarse' (often with a reflexive pronoun like 'me', 'te', 'le') when luck dictates who wins or gets something, like winning the lottery or having a turn.

Examples

Va a tocarme a mí lavar los platos esta noche.

It's going to be my turn to wash the dishes tonight.

llevarse

lyeh-VAHR-sehʎeˈβaɾse

VerbB2General
Use 'llevarse' to indicate winning or taking home a specific prize or award, often implying possession of the won item.
A stylized hand holding a large, shiny gold trophy high above its head, symbolizing a victory or award.

Examples

El equipo local se llevó la copa después de un partido intenso.

The local team won the cup after an intense match.

Este año, los colores pastel se llevan mucho.

This year, pastel colors are very fashionable.

Si sigues practicando, te llevarás el premio gordo.

If you keep practicing, you will win the big prize.

Winning vs. Taking

When used with prizes ('premio', 'copa'), 'llevarse' means 'to win' or 'to secure' the object, emphasizing the final possession.

Fashion Trends

For trends, 'se lleva' (it is carried/worn) is the standard way to say something is currently popular or in style.

Using 'llevar' for fashion

Mistake: “Los pantalones anchos llevan ahora. (Incorrect)”

Correction: Los pantalones anchos *se llevan* ahora. (Correct) Always use the reflexive form 'se llevan' when discussing current trends.

sacarse

VerbA2General
Use 'sacarse' (with a reflexive pronoun) when you obtain or are awarded something, such as a prize, ticket, or a specific grade, usually through effort or chance.

Examples

Tienes que estudiar mucho para sacarte esa nota.

You have to study a lot to get that grade.

Ganar vs. Triunfar

Learners often confuse 'ganar' and 'triunfar'. 'Ganar' is for specific wins like games or prizes, while 'triunfar' implies a broader sense of success or victory, often in life or a career.

Related Translations

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