Alcanzar vs. Lograr: understanding the difference between two Spanish verbs for “to achieve” and how to use each correctly.
In Spanish, both alcanzar and lograr can mean “to achieve,” but they have different nuances and typical contexts. Alcanzar originally means “to reach” something physically or figuratively, while lograr focuses more on “succeeding” in doing something or attaining a goal. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right word for the situation.
- Alcanzar = “to reach” (can be physical, temporal, or figurative)
- Lograr = “to manage to,” “succeed in,” or “achieve” something through effort
- Both can be used for goals, but lograr emphasizes success more explicitly
Alcanzar comes from the idea of reaching or catching something — it can be a physical object, a point in time, or a metaphorical goal. It’s often about getting to something that’s been aimed for or is within grasp.
- Physical: “Alcanzar la caja” (reach the box)
- Temporal: “Alcanzar el autobús” (make it to the bus)
- Figurative: “Alcanzar una meta” (reach a goal)
Lograr focuses on the successful completion of a goal, especially through effort, skill, or overcoming obstacles. It’s similar to “manage to do something” or “succeed in” English.
- Lograr un objetivo (achieve a goal)
- Lograr terminar el proyecto (manage to finish the project)
- Lograr algo difícil (succeed in something difficult)
】 Alcanzar + noun (meta, sueño, objetivo) = reach a goal or point
】 Lograr + noun or infinitive = achieve or succeed in doing something
- Alcanzar mi sueño (reach my dream)
- Lograr mi sueño (achieve my dream)
- Alcanzar la cima (reach the summit)
- Lograr la cima (succeed in reaching the summit)
| Alcanzar | Lograr |
|---|---|
| alcanzar un objetivo | lograr un objetivo |
| alcanzar una meta | lograr una meta |
| alcanzar un sueño | lograr un sueño |
| alcanzar la fama | lograr la fama |
| alcanzar la cima | lograr la cima |
Both verbs appear in similar contexts, but lograr always implies a sense of accomplishment or success, while alcanzar is more about arriving or getting there.
___ un objetivo
Choose the Spanish phrase that means 'achieve a goal'.
lograr
'Lograr un objetivo' means 'achieve a goal'. Although 'alcanzar un objetivo' is also possible, 'lograr' emphasizes the success.
- If you want to emphasize “reaching” a point or target, use alcanzar.
- If you want to emphasize “succeeding” or “managing to do” something, use lograr.
- When talking about goals, both can be correct, but lograr sounds more like “achieving” in a strong, successful sense.
- Pay attention to the object: lograr can be followed by nouns or infinitives, while alcanzar is usually followed by nouns.
Can 'lograr' be followed by an infinitive verb?
Yes, for example 'lograr terminar' or 'lograr estudiar'
'Lograr' can be followed by an infinitive to indicate succeeding in doing something.
Alcanzar = “to reach” (focus on arrival or getting within reach)
Lograr = “to achieve/succeed” (focus on accomplishment or successful completion)
Both are used for goals, but lograr carries a stronger sense of triumph.
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
