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"Ganar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to win", and "lograr" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to be able to". Learn more about the difference between "ganar" and "lograr" 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.
lograr(
loh
-
grahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to be able to
Lograron conseguir el carro a un precio mucho más bajo.They were able to get the car for a much lower price.
b. to get
Logré sacar un día de playa durante mi viaje de trabajo.I got to sneak in a beach day on my work trip.
c. to manage to
¿Lograste cambiar la cita del doctor para el martes?Did you manage to change the doctor's appointment to Tuesday?
2. (to obtain)
a. to achieve
Tienes que trabajar fuerte para lograr tus sueños.You have to work hard to achieve your dreams.
b. to attain
Logró primer lugar en la carrera de 100 metros.She attained first place in the 100 meter race.
3. (to achieve)
a. to win
Lograron una victoria sin precedentes en el campeonato.They won an unprecedented victory at the championship.
lograrse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
5. (to be done)
a. to be achieved (impersonal use)
Estos cambios solo pueden lograrse si la gente acepta la gravedad de la crisis climática que nos enfrenta.These changes can only be achieved if people accept the seriousness of the climate crisis we face.
