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
Example Usage
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
Synonyms
Antonyms
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
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.
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.