Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vencer | /benˈθeɾ/ /benˈseɾ/ |
|
| derrotar | /deroˈtaɾ/ | |
| ganar | /ɡaˈnaɾ/ | |
| profligar | /pɾofliɡaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| batir | /baˈtiɾ/ | |
| superar | /supeˈɾaɾ/ | |
| causear | /kauseaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Chile |
The translation of 'beat' depends on whether you are defeating an opponent, overcoming an obstacle or surpassing a limit. Use vencer for general instances of winning against or overcoming someone or something. If you mean 'to beat' in the sense of surpassing or exceeding a limit or record, use superar.
Which one should you use?
While ganar is a common way to say 'to win' or 'to beat', derrotar is a more formal term that carries a stronger sense of a decisive or military-style defeat. Superar is used specifically when 'beating' refers to overcoming an obstacle, a limit or a personal record, rather than defeating an opponent in a game.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the word causear is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using ganar to mean 'to beat someone', you must use the preposition a before the person being beaten, such as in ganar a alguien.
How do you pronounce it?
/benˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, batir is used for 'beating' in the sense of mixing ingredients or whipping cream, but it can also mean defeating an opponent in a formal or sporting context.
- The Spanish word for 'defeat', derrotar, shares its root with 'route' in English. It originally described the act of a force being forced to turn and flee from a battle.
- While ganar means 'to beat' or 'to win', it is also the standard verb used for 'earning' a salary. A speaker saying gano dinero is using the same root as when they beat an opponent in a game.
Examples in context
- Algún día te ganaré.Someday I'll beat you.This sentence shows the use of ganar for beating a person.Tatoeba #1699504 by marcelostockle, translation #1699506 by marcelostockle
- No creo que puedas vencerme.I don't think you can beat me.This sentence shows the use of vencer for beating a person.Tatoeba #1659769 by marcelostockle, translation #1404248 by sysko
- ¿Eras capaz de vencer a Tom?Were you able to beat Tom?Tatoeba #9993653 by manufrutos, translation #9381467 by DJ_Saidez
- Nuestro equipo de fútbol venció al equipo rival en el campeonato.Our soccer team beat the rival team in the championship.
- El estudiante superó todas las expectativas en su proyecto de investigación.The student beat all expectations in their research project.
- Ayer le gané a mi hermana en una partida de ajedrez.Yesterday, I beat my sister in a game of chess.
- El boxeador profesional dejó en el suelo a su oponente con un potente gancho.The professional boxer knocked down his opponent with a powerful hook.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are playing a video game.
- ElenaEsta vez voy a vencer.This time I am going to win.
- AlejandroNo creo que puedas vencer a Alejandro.I don't think you can beat Alejandro.
- Elena¡Mira, ya logré vencerte!Look, I already managed to beat you!
- AlejandroFue suerte, vamos a jugar otra vez.It was luck, let's play again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beat” translations and entries vencer, derrotar, ganar, batir, superar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derrotar, ganar, vencer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
