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"Lograr" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to be able to", and "poder" is an auxiliary verb which is also often translated as "to be able to". Learn more about the difference between "lograr" and "poder" 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.
poder, el poder(
poh
-
dehr
)An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. can
¿Me puedes pasar ese lápiz?Can you pass me that pencil?
¿Podría ver un menú, por favor?Could I see a menu, please?
c. to be allowed to
¿Podemos traer alcohol al concierto?Are we allowed to bring alcohol to the concert?
a. can
No sé si comer una sopa o un sándwich. - Podrías pedir el combo que trae mitad de un sándwich y una sopa.I don't know if I should have soup or a sandwich. - You could get the half-sandwich and soup combo.
b. may
Podrías llamar de nuevo al hotel a ver si tienen tu bufanda.You may want to call the hotel again to see if they found your scarf.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to put up with
No puedo más contigo. Me estás volviendo loca.I can't put up with you any longer. You're driving me crazy.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
11. (ability)
12. (control)
13. (political)
a. power
El poder del presidente incluye vetar cualquier legislación pasada por el Congreso.Among the president's powers is the ability to veto any legislation passed by Congress.
a. possession
Tengo en mi poder un certificado que prueba la autenticidad de la pintura.I have in my possession a letter that proves the painting's authenticity.
15. (mechanical)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
16. (colloquial) (to defeat)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
b. to be stronger than
El forzudo retó a cualquiera a ver si le pueden.The strongman challenged anyone to prove they're stronger than him.
los poderes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. powers
A Daniel le confirieron los poderes para gestionar la empresa tras la muerte de su padre.After the death of his father, all the business' powers were passed to Daniel.
b. authority
El comité no tiene los poderes para confirmar el nombramiento.The committee doesn't have the authority to confirm the appointment.
