Inklingo

How to Say "won" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganó

verbA1general
Use 'ganó' when referring to the simple past tense of winning a competition, game, or prize, indicating a completed action in the past.

Examples

Mi equipo favorito ganó el partido de fútbol anoche.

My favorite team won the soccer game last night.

ganado

/gah-NAH-doh//ɡaˈnaðo/

past participleA1general
Use 'ganado' as a past participle, typically with an auxiliary verb like 'haber', to form compound tenses, often emphasizing the result or state of having won.
A high-quality illustration of a large, shiny gold trophy cup standing prominently on a simple wooden pedestal, symbolizing victory.

Examples

Hemos ganado el partido por dos puntos.

We have won the game by two points.

Es el dinero que has ganado con tu esfuerzo.

It is the money that you have earned with your effort.

La medalla ganada era de oro.

The medal won was gold. (Here, it acts like an adjective)

Forming Perfect Tenses

The past participle ('ganado') never changes when used with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create perfect tenses: 'Yo he ganado' (I have won), 'Ellas han ganado' (They have won).

Adjective Use

When 'ganado' is used as a standalone adjective (like 'won' or 'earned'), it MUST match the thing it describes in number and gender: 'Las batallas ganadas' (The won battles).

Changing Gender in Perfect Tenses

Mistake: “Hemos ganada la copa.”

Correction: Hemos GANADO la copa. The participle is fixed when used with 'haber', regardless of the noun's gender.

Verb vs. Past Participle

The most common mistake is using 'ganado' (past participle) when the simple past tense 'ganó' is needed for a specific past event. Remember that 'ganó' stands alone as the past tense verb, while 'ganado' usually needs a helping verb like 'haber'.

Related Translations

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