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"Lograr" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to be able to", and "cumplir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to achieve". Learn more about the difference between "lograr" and "cumplir" 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.
cumplir(
koom
-
pleer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to achieve
Jorge cumplió su sueño de convertirse en médico.Jorge achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
Hay que tener fuerza de voluntad para cumplir tus metas.You need willpower to achieve your goals.
b. to carry out
Los subordinados deben cumplir las órdenes de sus superiores.Subordinates should carry out their superiors' orders.
c. to keep
No cumpliste tu promesa de quererme para siempre.You didn't keep your promise of loving me forever.
e. to observe
Los alumnos tienen que cumplir las normas del colegio.Students must observe the rules of the school.
f. to fulfill (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El presidente cumplió su promesa de postularse para la reelección.The president fulfilled his promise to run for reelection.
g. to fulfil (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Como directivo, tienes que cumplir tus obligaciones de manera profesional.As a manager, you have to fulfil your obligations with professionalism.
2. (to reach)
a. to serve
Ha cumplido diez años de condena por el asesinato.He has served ten years for the murder.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to do one's duty
Deberíamos cumplir aunque no será nada fácil.We should do our duty though it won't be very easy.
a. to feel obliged
Nos invitaron solo por cumplir.They invited us only because they felt obliged to do so.
cumplirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to happen)
a. to come true
Cuando me tocó la lotería, se cumplieron todos mis sueños.When I won the lottery, all my dreams came true.
b. to be implemented
El plan se cumplirá según lo previsto.The plan will be implemented as scheduled.
