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.
Use 'ganar' when talking about winning competitions, games, prizes, or lotteries in a general sense.
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Use 'triunfar' to express achieving victory or success, often after significant effort, in a competition, battle, or career.
Learn more →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.
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Use 'llevarse' to indicate winning or taking home a specific prize or award, often implying possession of the won item.
Learn more →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.
Learn more →gah-NARɡaˈnaɾ
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.
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.
tocarse
Examples
Va a tocarme a mí lavar los platos esta noche.
It's going to be my turn to wash the dishes tonight.
lyeh-VAHR-sehʎeˈβaɾse
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
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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