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How to Say "winning" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “winning” is “ganando” — use 'ganando' when you are describing the ongoing action of winning a game, match, or competition in the present moment..

English → Spanish

ganando

/gah-NAHN-doh//ɡaˈnando/

VerbA1General
Use 'ganando' when you are describing the ongoing action of winning a game, match, or competition in the present moment.
A cartoon athlete standing on the highest step of a simple three-tiered victory podium, raising a gold trophy.

Examples

¡Vamos ganando el partido! El marcador es 3 a 1.

We are winning the game! The score is 3 to 1.

Aunque está perdiendo, el equipo sigue luchando y quizás termine ganando.

Although they are losing, the team keeps fighting and might end up winning.

Action in Progress

When you use "estar ganando," it emphasizes the action happening at that exact moment, like watching a sports match unfold live.

ganador

gah-nah-DOR/ga.naˈðoɾ/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'ganador' as a masculine adjective to describe a person, team, or even an abstract quality like 'spirit' that is characterized by winning or has a winning nature.
Five joyful soccer players in matching blue jerseys celebrating a victory on a bright green field by high-fiving each other.

Examples

Tienen un espíritu ganador que los impulsa.

They have a winning spirit that drives them.

Esta estrategia no es ganadora; necesitamos cambiarla.

This strategy is not a winning one; we need to change it.

El equipo visitante tuvo el tiro ganador en el último segundo.

The visiting team had the winning shot in the last second.

Agreement is Key

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'ganador' must match the thing it describes in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'estrategia ganadora' (feminine singular).

Positioning

Mistake: “Sometimes learners forget that adjectives often go after the noun: 'un ganador espíritu.'”

Correction: It usually sounds most natural after the noun: 'un espíritu ganador' (a winning spirit).

ganadores

/gah-nah-DOH-rehs//ɡanaˈðoɾes/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'ganadores' (plural) as an adjective to describe multiple people, things, or entities that have won or are expected to win.
A bright gold trophy cup sitting on a wooden table with confetti falling around it.

Examples

Tengo los números ganadores de la lotería.

I have the winning lottery numbers.

Esa fue una estrategia ganadora.

That was a winning strategy.

Plural Matching

Since 'ganadores' is plural, the thing it describes must also be plural (like 'números' or 'tickets').

ganadora

/gah-nah-DOR-ah//ɡanaˈðoɾa/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'ganadora' as a feminine adjective to describe a singular feminine noun (like 'carta' - card) that is the winning one in a specific context.
A bright gold medal with a red ribbon resting on a podium.

Examples

Tengo la carta ganadora.

I have the winning card.

Presentaron una propuesta ganadora.

They presented a winning proposal.

Describing Feminine Words

Use 'ganadora' to describe things that are grammatically feminine, like 'una idea' or 'una jugada'.

Adjective vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is using an adjective like 'ganador' or 'ganadora' when you mean the ongoing action of winning. Remember, if you are describing the act of winning right now, use the verb 'ganando'.

Related Translations

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