ganarse la vida

Lemma Details

Translation: to earn a living; to make a living

Part of Speech: phrase

Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'ganar' (to earn, to win) with 'la vida' (life). The reflexive form 'ganarse' adds emphasis on the personal effort involved. The construction parallels the English 'to earn one's living' but uses 'life' instead of 'living', highlighting how fundamental work is to sustaining life itself.

Commonality: 90%

Guessability: 70%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think of 'ganar' (to win) + 'vida' (life) = winning at life through work
  • Visualize someone 'earning' their right to life through their labor
  • Connect it to the English phrase 'earn your keep'

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

ganarse el pan

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No translation

buscarse la vida

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No translation

salir adelante

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No translation

trabajar para vivir

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No translation

Synonyms

subsistir

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No translation

mantenerse

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No translation

buscarse el sustento

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No translation

Antonyms

vivir de las rentas

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No translation

ser mantenido

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No translation

Cultural Context

This phrase is used across all Spanish-speaking countries and reflects the universal concept of working to support oneself. It's often used when discussing occupations or how people sustain themselves financially.

Easily Confused With

ganar la vida

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No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Ganarse la vida' (reflexive) means 'to earn a living' while 'ganar la vida' (without reflexive) would literally mean 'to win the life' and is not a common expression.

Notes: The reflexive form is crucial to the meaning of this phrase.

Mnemonic: Remember the reflexive 'se' is essential - you earn a living for yourself.

buscarse la vida

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No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: While 'ganarse la vida' focuses on earning income through work, 'buscarse la vida' has a broader meaning of finding ways to survive or get by, often implying resourcefulness or struggle.

Notes: 'Buscarse la vida' often implies more struggle or improvisation than 'ganarse la vida'.

Mnemonic: 'Ganar' (earn/win) focuses on income; 'buscar' (search/look for) focuses on finding ways to survive.