How to Say “Reach” in Spanish

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alcanzar
/alkanˈθaɾ/
To reach in Spanish is alcanzar.
The verb alcanzar is used when the reaching implies achieving a specific level, a physical height or catching up to something/someone. The adjective form of alcanzar is alcanzable, meaning reachable.
Meaning: to arrive at a particular destination (verb)

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, the verb conseguir is sometimes employed to express the idea of reaching or achieving something.

How does it change in a sentence?

When reaching a person or a moving object, you must use the personal a before the object, as in alcanzar a alguien.

How do you pronounce it?

/alkanˈθaɾ/

Did you know?

  • In some regions, the phrase no me alcanza is the standard way to say 'I cannot afford it', treating money as a distance that cannot be reached.
  • In some contexts, alcanzar is used to mean that there is enough of something for everyone, such as saying the food will 'reach' or suffice for all guests.
  • The word alcanzar is built upon a Latin root meaning 'heel', suggesting the historical concept of reaching someone by 'stepping on their heels'.

Examples in context

  • No lo puedo alcanzar.
    I can't reach it.
    The sentence is useful for expressing the inability to reach something using alcanzar.
    Tatoeba #1289301 by marcelostockle, translation #265898 by CK
  • Él es fácil de alcanzar.
    He is easy to reach.
    The sentence is useful for describing someone who is easy to reach using alcanzar.
    Tatoeba #4954983 by DarkHollow, translation #284699 by CM
  • Tom trató de alcanzar a Mary.
    Tom tried to reach Mary.
    The sentence is useful for describing an attempt to reach a person using alcanzar.
    Tatoeba #1278879 by marcelostockle, translation #1141085 by CK
  • Si trabajas duro, podrás alcanzar tus metas y sueños.
    If you work hard, you will be able to reach your goals and dreams.
  • Con perseverancia, podrás lograr todo lo que te propongas.
    With perseverance, you will be able to reach everything you set your mind to.
  • Vamos a trabajar arduamente para llegar a nuestro objetivo.
    Let's work hard to reach our goal.
  • Después de un largo viaje, por fin arribamos a nuestro destino.
    After a long journey, we finally reached our destination.
  • Si perseveras, conseguirás todo lo que te propongas.
    If you persevere, you will reach everything you set your mind to.
  • Espero alcanzar mis metas antes de cumplir treinta años.
    I hope to reach my goals before turning thirty.
  • No puedo llegar a esa estantería alta, ¿me ayudas?
    I can't reach that high shelf, would you help me?
  • Si seguimos caminando, llegaremos al final del sendero.
    If we keep walking, we will reach the end of the trail.
  • 31 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

María and Javier are discussing a long trip to the mountains.

  1. María

    ¿Crees que podemos alcanzar la cima hoy?
    Do you think we can reach the summit today?
  2. Javier

    Sí, si caminamos rápido, Javier.
    Yes, if we walk fast, Javier.
  3. María

    Espero alcanzar el refugio antes de anochecer.
    I hope to reach the shelter before dark.
  4. Javier

    Yo también, María. Sigamos adelante.
    Me too, María. Let's keep going.

Sources

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Gabriel Seth
Gabriel SethHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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