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"Lograr" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to be able to", and "alcanzar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to reach". Learn more about the difference between "lograr" and "alcanzar" below.
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.
alcanzar(
ahl
-
kahn
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to get to)
c. to catch up with
Los alcancé justo antes de que se fueran.I caught up with them just before they left.
2. (to rise to)
a. to reach
La temperatura alcanzó los 42ºC el fin de semana.The temperature reached 42ºC over the weekend.
a. to achieve
No alcanzaron la meta que se habían propuesto.They didn't achieve the goal they had set themselves.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be enough
No alcanzan los fondos para seguir apoyando el proyecto.There isn't enough funding to continue supporting the project.
