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"Ganar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to win", and "adelantarse a" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to preempt". Learn more about the difference between "ganar" and "adelantarse a" below.
ganar(
gah
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to obtain)
a. to win
Gané la lotería dos veces jugando con los mismos números.I won the lottery twice by playing the same set of numbers.
3. (to defeat)
a. to beat
Por fin le gané a mi papá en una partida de ajedrez.I finally beat my dad in a game of chess.
4. (to seize)
5. (to get to)
a. to save (space or time)
Ganarías espacio si sacaras este sillón viejo de la sala.You'd save some space if you got that old sofa out of the living room.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
7. (to benefit)
a. to gain
He ganado mucho por hablar con un experto como usted.I have gained a lot by talking with an expert like you.
a. to make
Mi esposo no gana suficientemente en su trabajo.My husband doesn't make enough in his job.
10. (to increase)
a. to benefit
La fundación ganará con su generosa donación.The foundation will benefit with your generous donation.
ganarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
11. (to secure)
a. to earn
Se ganó el amor del pueblo con sus discursos.She earned the love of the people with her speeches.
adelantarse a(
ah
-
deh
-
lahn
-
tahr
-
seh
ah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to foresee)
a. to preempt
El candidato se adelantó a las críticas de la prensa y publicó un documento que detalla su plan para reactivar la economía.The candidate preempted the press criticism and published a document detailing his plan to jump-start the economy.
b. to anticipate
El doctor se adelantó a la pregunta del paciente y le dijo que su diagnosis no era grave.The doctor anticipated the patient's question and told him that his condition wasn't serious.
c. to stay ahead of
Para ser un buen creador de videojuegos, siempre tienes que adelantarte a los gustos cambiantes de los jugadores.In order to be a good game developer, you always need to stay ahead of the changing tastes of the gamers.
d. to get ahead of
No me gusta adelantarme a a los hechos, así que trataré de recolectar más evidencia antes de hacer cualquier acusación.I don't like to get ahead of the facts, so I'll try to collect more evidence before making any accusation.
a. to beat
Betty trató de tomar el asiento de adelante, pero me le adelanté a la lenta esa.Betty tried to get the front seat, but I beat that slowpoke to it.
