alcanzar
Lemma Details
Translation: to reach; to catch up with; to achieve; to attain; to obtain; to be enough; to suffice
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Old Spanish alcançar, from Andalusian Arabic الْقَنْصَر (al-qanṣar), from Classical Arabic قَنَصَ (qanaṣa, 'to hunt'). The word evolved from hunting terminology, where it meant 'to catch prey,' to its modern meanings of reaching, attaining, or catching up. English cognates include 'attain' and 'achieve,' though they come from different Latin roots.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No puedo alcanzar el libro en el estante más alto.
I can't reach the book on the highest shelf.
Ella alcanzó sus metas profesionales antes de los treinta.
She achieved her professional goals before turning thirty.
El dinero no me alcanza para comprar un coche nuevo.
I don't have enough money to buy a new car.
Corrí para alcanzar el autobús, pero ya se había ido.
I ran to catch the bus, but it had already left.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'alcanzar' as 'all-can-czar' - like someone who 'can reach all' or has the power to attain everything.
- Associate with 'can' + 'czar' (ruler) - someone who 'can' reach or achieve like a powerful ruler.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'alcanzar' is frequently used in contexts of personal and professional achievement. The phrase 'alcanzar el éxito' (to achieve success) is common in motivational contexts. It's also used in everyday situations to describe having enough of something ('no me alcanza el dinero' - I don't have enough money).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'alcanzar' means 'to reach' or 'to achieve', 'alzar' means 'to raise' or 'to lift up'. They look and sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Voy a alzar la voz para que me escuchen.
I'm going to raise my voice so they can hear me.
Notes: The prefix 'al-' in both words comes from Arabic influence in Spanish, but they have different Latin roots.
Mnemonic: 'Alcanzar' has an extra 'can' in it - you 'can' reach or achieve something. 'Alzar' is shorter and simpler - just lifting something up.
Explanation: 'Alcanzar' means to reach or achieve a goal, while 'avanzar' means to advance or move forward. 'Alcanzar' implies reaching a destination or goal, while 'avanzar' focuses on the forward movement itself.
Notes: Both verbs can be used in contexts of progress, but 'avanzar' emphasizes the movement while 'alcanzar' emphasizes the destination.
Mnemonic: 'Avanzar' contains 'avan' which sounds like 'advance'. 'Alcanzar' has 'alcan' which you can think of as 'all can' - reaching all you can.