vencer
/benˈθeɾ/
In Spanish, 'to beat' is translated as vencer.
vencer is used to express the idea of beating or overcoming an opponent, an obstacle or a challenge.
Which one should you use?
While you use ganar to say you 'win' a game or a prize, you use vencer to say you 'beat' or 'conquer' a specific opponent or challenge. vencer carries a stronger connotation of overcoming or conquering an obstacle than the more casual ganar a.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using vencer to mean defeating a person or a specific entity, you must use the personal 'a' before the object (e.g., vencer a [someone]).
How do you pronounce it?
/benˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- While vencer means 'to beat' or 'to conquer' in a competitive sense, it is also the standard word used for food or documents to 'expire'.
- The English word 'convince' and the Spanish vencer share the same distant ancestor. Both words trace back to the concept of overcoming or conquering a point in an argument.
- In Spanish, when a debt is vencida, it does not mean the debt was defeated, but rather that the deadline to pay it has passed and it is now overdue.
Examples in context
- ¿Eras capaz de vencer a Tom?Were you able to beat Tom?This example shows how to use vencer when asking about the ability to beat someone.Tatoeba #9993653 by manufrutos, translation #9381467 by DJ_Saidez
- Cuatro ases es una mano difícil de vencer.Four aces is a tough hand to beat.This sentence demonstrates how vencer is used when referring to a difficult hand in a game.Tatoeba #13009225 by Eremon, translation #11490855 by CK
- vencer al sistemaTo beat the systemThis phrase shows the common expression for 'to beat the system' using vencer.
- Venció a su oponente en la competición.He beat his opponent in the competition.
- Venceremos las dificultades juntos.We will overcome the difficulties together.
- El equipo local derrotó al equipo visitante en el partido.The home team beat the visiting team in the match.
- Derrotaron a sus rivales y se proclamaron campeones.They defeated their rivals and became champions.
- Ganó en el enfrentamiento contra su oponente.He beat his opponent in the confrontation.
- Lo venció en una partida de ajedrez.He beat him in a game of chess.
- ¿Podrás vencer a tus amigos en el campeonato?Will you be able to beat your friends in the championship?
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a chess match.
- AlejandroCreo que puedo vencer a mi hermano hoy.I think I can beat my brother today.
- MaríaÉl es muy bueno jugando al ajedrez.He is very good at playing chess.
- AlejandroSí, pero yo he practicado mucho para vencerlo.Yes, but I have practiced a lot to beat him.
- María¡Mucha suerte en el partido, Alejandro!Good luck in the match, Alejandro!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vencer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vencer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
