alcanzar
/alkanˈθaɾ/
The English phrase 'reach for' is translated into Spanish as alcanzar.
alcanzar describes the physical act of trying to get an object by extending one's arm or moving one's hand. It is also used in an abstract sense to mean reaching or achieving a specific goal or a certain level.
Meaning: to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
alcanzar is a regular -ar verb in the present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkanˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- While alcanzar means 'to reach', it is also the standard word used to say that a quantity of food or money is 'enough' for everyone.
- The verb alcanzar is etymologically linked to the English word 'causeway', as both trace back to the Latin root for 'heel' or 'treading'.
- The root of alcanzar is related to the Latin word calx, meaning 'heel'. This suggests the original meaning involved stepping or treading toward something.
Examples in context
- Por favor, alcance el libro en la estanteríaPlease reach for the book on the shelf
- Él intenta alcanzar el libro en la estantería.He tries to reach for the book on the shelf.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are in the kitchen.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes alcanzar la sal?Lucía, can you reach for the salt?
- LucíaSí, yo la alcanzo por ti.Yes, I will reach it for you.
- JavierGracias, no llego hasta allá.Thanks, I can't reach that far.
- LucíaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alcanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
