Alcanzar when it comes to money

Question

This seems like a very versatile verb. If I'm correct I take it's most common meaning to catch up with or to reach.

I recently came across it in this sentence:

si les alcanzará el dinero .....

The English text I was comparing it to said - 'if I/they can afford it' - so how does alcanzar work here?

• Nice question. - KevinB Nov 25, 2010
• gracias :) - Kiwi_Girl Nov 25, 2010

Answer 1

You would use it like gustar, that's why the "les" is in there. You are literally saying "If the money reaches to them...." which of course would be translated to "if they can afford it."

"No me compré ese carro porque no me alcanzó el dinero" = "I didn't buy that car because I couldn't afford it."

"Esperanzadamente esta comida les va a alcanzar a todos, ya que no sabía que tantas vendrían." "Hopefully this food is enough to go around for everyone, since I didn't know so many would show up."

• Very nice explaination! And "esperanzamente" - JulianChivi Nov 24, 2010
• Nice. Thanks. - KevinB Nov 25, 2010
• Thanx Ashlita :) - Kiwi_Girl Nov 25, 2010

Answer 2

I think that it would mean reach in the sense of attain. I have seen this verb used many ways, too. It's a nice verb, isn't it?

• I thought that too but then why would the 'les' be there? May'be it's just a straight reach as in arrive? - Kiwi_Girl Nov 24, 2010

Answer 3

si les alcanzará el dinero .....

If their money stretches far enough / is sufficient ...

• Thanx Samdie - Kiwi_Girl Nov 25, 2010