Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ganar | /ɡaˈnaɾ/ |
| recabar | /rekaˈbaɾ/ |
| granjear | /ɡɾanxeˈaɾ/ |
| conseguir | /konseˈɡiɾ/ |
| conciliar | /konθiˈljaɾ/ /konsiˈljaɾ/ |
The verb ganar is the standard way to express gaining weight or mass. It is also used in the common idiom ganar tiempo, which means to stall or to buy more time. The noun ganancia refers to the actual profit or the amount gained, as well as a factor by which a signal is multiplied. If you are referring to a benefit or profit in a formal context, you can use the term beneficio.
Which one should you use?
While ganar can mean 'to gain', it is the primary verb used for 'to win' a game or competition or 'to earn' a salary. If your use of 'gain' implies obtaining or achieving a specific goal or object through effort, use conseguir instead. To specifically describe gaining or winning someone's affection, respect or favor, use the reflexive form granjearse.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb granjear is etymologically linked to the word granja, meaning 'farm', through the concept of gathering or collecting.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo hago para ganar peso?How do I gain weight?This example shows how to ask about gaining weight using ganar.Tatoeba #1246467 by wallebot, translation #815691 by CM
- Tenemos todas las de ganar.We have everything to gain.This sentence uses ganar to express having everything to gain.Tatoeba #9149773 by Galko, translation #5737716 by CM
- No conseguirás nada haciendo eso.You will gain nothing from doing that.This sentence uses conseguir to show that one will gain nothing by a certain action.Tatoeba #1057670 by Shishir, translation #51182 by CK
- El proyecto tuvo una gran gananciaThe project had a great gain
- La ganancia de peso fue notableThe weight gain was noteworthy
- Obtuve un beneficio importante de mi inversiónI gained a significant benefit from my investment
- La empresa experimentó un gran beneficio económicoThe company experienced a great economic gain
- Estoy tratando de ponerme en formaI'm trying to gain some fitness
- Aumenté mis conocimientos en el nuevo trabajoI gained knowledge in my new job
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their professional goals.
- MateoQuiero ganar más experiencia en este sector.I want to gain more experience in this sector.
- MaríaEs una meta muy buena, Mateo.That is a very good goal, Mateo.
- MateoAsí podré ganar confianza frente a los clientes.That way I will be able to gain confidence with the clients.
- MaríaSeguro que lo lograrás pronto.I am sure you will achieve it soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gain” translations and entries ganar, recabar, granjear, conseguir, conciliar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conseguir, ganar, granjear, recabar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
