Alcanzar vs poder

Question

¿Cual es la diferencia entre alcanzar y poder? Estan intercambiable?

Yo puede/ alcanzo hablar español.

Answer 1

I wonder is alcanzar has more a sense of 'to manage', thus:

Puedo hablar = I can speak

Alcanzo = I manage to speak

Yes Falda, also as "can" = to abe able to... ;) - chileno, Nov 1, 2014

Answer 2

I agree that Alcanzar hablar (to be able to speak) in the above example doesn´t make sense. When we use alcanzar idiomatically, in Mexico, it still has the nuance of reaching or of being sufficient but with another verb and other times without another verb when the context is understood.

Finally reaching someone to speak to him, we could say: Le alcancé para hablarle.

Not having enough money to buy the new car: No me alcanza para comprar el nuevo coche.

I´ll catch up to you (see you) tomorrow at ten: Te alcanzo mañana a las diez.

Answer 3

I disagree a little bit with 'Falda-Escocesa', but i would never say "Alcanzo a hablar = I manage to speak". But it is true that the way you used "alcanzar" can be used in spanish (your example does not sound ok for me)

Alcanzar means "to reach"

Poder means "to can" as verb, and means "power" as a noun

I was thinking of French where 'arriver' lit. means 'to reach' yet is also used for 'to manage' as in 'j'arrive à parler' = I manage to speak. - Faldaesque, Oct 31, 2014

I know Spanish/French comparisons don't always work, but the examples I read on SD seem to suggest similar usage :-D - Faldaesque, Oct 31, 2014

Answer 4

The example by the OP does not make sense for a couple of reasons, hence I would like to have the English version of what the OP wants to say in Spanish.

Falda is completely right in her/his assumptions about alcanzar and poder.

Maybe in Chile is correct but not in Spain. If you say here Alcanzo a hablar, the people does not understand you for sure - txustaboy, Nov 5, 2014

That's what i said. - chileno, Nov 5, 2014

Answer 5

Alcanzar, como han dicho varios aquí, puede tener varios significados (sentidos) pero 'Poder" es algo invariable en su significado. Significa "can"o "be able". En el pretérito, adquiere otro sentido el de "managed" Anoche pude cantar en el coro. Last night I managed to sing in the choir.

Answer 6

Conseguí hablar - I managed to speak
Logré hablar - I managed to speak.

Alcanzo a hablar - I manage to speak/talk

Just my thoughts, that's all

I've never heard 'Alcanzo a hablar' in Mexico or Columbia, but maybe in other places, don't know. - Jack-OBrien, Oct 31, 2014