ganar dinero
Lemma Details
Translation: to make money; to earn money; to gain money
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'ganar' (to win, to earn) from Gothic *waidanjan (to harvest, to pasture) and 'dinero' from Latin denarius, a Roman coin. The combination creates a phrase focused specifically on the act of earning or acquiring money through work or effort, rather than simply winning in general.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Trabajo muchas horas para ganar dinero.
I work many hours to make money.
Él ganó mucho dinero con su nuevo negocio.
He made a lot of money with his new business.
Necesito ganar dinero para pagar mis deudas.
I need to earn money to pay my debts.
¿Cómo puedo ganar dinero extra los fines de semana?
How can I earn extra money on weekends?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ganar' as similar to 'gain' in English, and 'dinero' sounds like 'denarius' (ancient Roman coin).
- Imagine a soccer player who 'wins' (gana) a match and receives money (dinero) as a bonus.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is used universally in Spanish-speaking countries and is a neutral way to discuss earning income. In some contexts, particularly in business or entrepreneurial settings, it can carry positive connotations of success and achievement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ganar dinero' means to earn or make money, 'gastar dinero' means to spend money - they represent opposite financial actions.
Confused word:
No puedo gastar dinero en cosas innecesarias.
I can't spend money on unnecessary things.
Notes: These phrases are often used together to discuss financial balance: 'Gano dinero durante la semana y lo gasto el fin de semana' (I earn money during the week and spend it on the weekend).
Mnemonic: Ganar adds to your account, gastar takes away (think 'gastar' sounds like 'waste').
Explanation: 'Ganar dinero' focuses on the acquisition of money, while 'ahorrar dinero' means to save money that you already have.
Notes: These concepts are complementary rather than contradictory - first you 'ganar dinero', then you can choose to 'ahorrar dinero'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ganar' as the first step (earning), and 'ahorrar' as the second step (saving what you've earned).