Inklingo

How to Say "to win" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganar

/gah-NAR//ɡaˈnaɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'ganar' when referring to 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.

llevarse

lyeh-VAHR-seh/ʎeˈβaɾse/

VerbB2General
Use 'llevarse' specifically when a person or team wins a prize or award, often implying they physically take it.
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.

sacarte

/sah-KAR-teh//saˈkaɾte/

ContractionA2Informal
Use 'sacarte' when referring to obtaining or getting a prize, ticket, or even a grade, implying effort or a specific outcome.
A smiling student proudly holding up a large, shiny gold star sticker, illustrating success in obtaining a good grade.

Examples

Tienes que estudiar mucho para sacarte esa nota.

You have to study a lot to get that grade.

Es fácil sacarte un boleto en esa rifa.

It's easy to get a ticket in that raffle.

¿Lograste sacarte el carné de conducir?

Did you manage to get your driver's license?

Reflexive Use for Achievement

When 'sacar' means 'to get' or 'to obtain' (like a grade or license), it is often used reflexively as 'sacarse'. The 'te' indicates that the action is done by you, for your own benefit.

tocarme

/toh-KAR-meh//to'kaɾme/

VerbB1Informal
Use 'tocarme' when winning means it's your turn or by chance, like winning the lottery or being assigned a task.
A group of children playing a board game, with one child pointing to themselves with a smile.

Examples

Va a tocarme a mí lavar los platos esta noche.

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

Podría tocarme la lotería este año.

I could win the lottery this year (literally: The lottery could touch/fall to me).

Esa película llegó a tocarme el alma.

That movie managed to touch my soul.

Using 'tocar' for turns

When 'tocar' means 'to be someone's turn,' it works like the verb 'gustar.' You say 'Me toca (a mí)' to mean 'It is my turn.'

General vs. Specific Winning

The most common mistake is using 'ganar' for every situation. Remember that 'llevarse' implies receiving a prize, 'sacarte' means obtaining something specific like a grade or ticket, and 'tocarme' indicates it's your turn or by chance.

Related Translations

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