tener suerte
/teneɾ sweɾte/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'get lucky' is translated into Spanish as tener suerte.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tener (to have) and the noun suerte (luck).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you 'got lucky' in the past, use the preterite form of tener, such as tuve suerte. To express that you 'will get lucky' in the future, use the future tense of tener, such as tendré suerte.
How do you pronounce it?
/teneɾ sweɾte/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb conseguir (to get/obtain) instead of tener (to have) when translating 'get lucky'.
Did you know?
- To wish someone 'good luck', Spanish speakers say ¡Buena suerte!, but they may also use the phrase ¡Mucha mierda! in theatrical circles.
- The word suerte originates from a Latin term meaning 'to bind', suggesting that luck was once viewed as a thread or bond tied to one's destiny.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to say you 'got lucky' in a way that implies an incredible stroke of fortune, you might say you tuviste una chiripa, which is much more informal than tener suerte.
Examples in context
- Tú quizás podrías tener suerte.You might get lucky.Tatoeba #5997542 by albrusgher, translation #3170974 by CK
- Espero que tengas suerte en tu entrevista de trabajo.I hope you get lucky in your job interview.
- ¡Qué suerte tienes! Ganaste la rifa.How lucky you are! You won the raffle.
- No sé si vamos a tener suerte hoy.I don't know if we are going to get lucky today.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a job interview.
- María¿Crees que vas a tener suerte con el trabajo?Do you think you're going to get lucky with the job?
- DanielNo estoy seguro, pero voy a intentarlo.I'm not sure, but I'm going to try.
- María¡Seguro que vas a tener suerte, Daniel!I'm sure you're going to get lucky, Daniel!
- DanielGracias, María, espero que así sea.Thanks, María, I hope so.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries suerte, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
