vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Trabaja" is a form of "trabajar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to work". "Gana" is a form of "ganar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to win". Learn more about the difference between "trabaja" and "gana" below.
trabajar(
trah
-
bah
-
hahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to shape)
a. to work
Como alfarero, me encanta trabajar el barro y crear cacharros.As a potter, I just love working the clay and making pots.
a. to work
En este pueblo todavía trabajan la tierra con bueyes.They still use oxen to work the land in this village.
5. (culinary)
b. to mix (ingredients)
Hay que trabajar los ingredientes con una batidora eléctrica.You need to mix the ingredients with a blender.
6. (to improve)
7. (to market)
trabajarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to work on
Todavía me la estoy trabajando para que pruebe a jugar al fútbol.I'm still working on her to try soccer.
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.
