superar
/supeˈɾaɾ/
To overcome in Spanish is superar.
The verb superar is used to express surmounting or getting the better of a challenge. It is commonly used with nouns such as obstáculo (obstacle), dificultad (difficulty) or crisis (crisis) to indicate that a hurdle has been cleared. Additionally, the noun form superación is frequently used in the context of superación personal, which refers to self-improvement or personal growth.
Meaning: to surmount, get the better of (verb)
Which one should you use?
While superar is used to mean overcoming a difficulty, it also carries the meaning of 'to surpass' or 'to exceed' a limit or expectation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of superar is superado. If you want to say 'I overcame' in the first-person singular preterite, use superé.
How do you pronounce it?
/supeˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, superar is often used to describe the process of getting over a breakup or the death of a loved one. While English speakers might say they are 'healing' or 'moving on', a Spanish speaker says they are superando the loss.
- The Spanish word superar is a doublet of the common verb sobrar, which means 'to be left over' or 'to be redundant'. Both words descend from the same Latin root but evolved to describe different ways of having 'more than enough'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of superación is tied to the 'culture of effort', where 'superación personal' is considered a moral virtue rather than just a psychological goal.
Examples in context
- Logré superar la dificultad.I managed to overcome the difficulty.This sentence shows how to use superar regarding a difficulty.Tatoeba #1586516 by teskmon, translation #254353 by royhuggins
- Vamos a superar esta crisis juntos.We'll overcome this crisis together.This sentence demonstrates using superar in the context of a crisis.Tatoeba #5272343 by Shishir, translation #9176595 by DJ_Saidez
- Deberás superar algunos inconvenientes.You'll have to overcome a few difficulties.This sentence illustrates the use of superar with inconveniences.Tatoeba #1365926 by marcelostockle, translation #1365935 by CM
- He logrado superar mis miedosI have managed to overcome my fears
- Ella logró vencer las dificultades financierasShe managed to overcome financial difficulties
- Sacamos adelante el proyecto a pesar de las dificultadesWe managed to overcome the difficulties and move the project forward
- A pesar de los obstáculos, logré salir adelante en mi carreraDespite the obstacles, I managed to overcome and move forward in my career
- Después de meses de entrenamiento constante, logré superar mis limitacionesAfter months of constant training, I managed to overcome my limitations
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a professional challenge at work.
- ElenaEs difícil superar este obstáculo.It is difficult to overcome this obstacle.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Elena, tú puedes lograrlo.Don't worry, Elena, you can do it.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel, espero superar el reto pronto.Thanks, Daniel, I hope to overcome the challenge soon.
- DanielEstoy seguro de que lo harás.I am sure you will.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry superar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries superar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
