llegar a ser
Lemma Details
Translation: to become; to turn into; to grow into; to end up as
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the verb 'llegar' (to arrive, to reach) with the preposition 'a' (to) and the infinitive 'ser' (to be). The construction literally means 'to arrive at being' or 'to reach the state of being', which evolved to express the concept of becoming or transforming into something. The metaphorical journey from one state to another is captured in this construction.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Ella llegó a ser una famosa actriz después de años de trabajo duro.
She became a famous actress after years of hard work.
El pequeño negocio llegó a ser una empresa internacional.
The small business became an international company.
¿Cómo llegaste a ser tan bueno en matemáticas?
How did you become so good at mathematics?
Nunca pensé que llegaría a ser médico.
I never thought I would become a doctor.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'llegar' as 'to arrive' and 'ser' as 'to be' – so you're 'arriving at being' something new.
- Imagine a journey (llegar) that leads to a new identity (ser).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used when discussing career paths, personal development, or historical figures who achieved prominence. It often carries a sense of process or journey toward a final state or identity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'llegar a ser' specifically means 'to become', 'llegar a' without 'ser' means 'to reach' or 'to arrive at' (a place or condition) or 'to manage to' (do something).
This word:
Él llegó a ser presidente después de años en política.
He became president after years in politics.
Confused word:
Él llegó a la conclusión de que necesitaba cambiar.
He reached the conclusion that he needed to change.
Notes: 'Llegar a ser' implies transformation into a new state or identity, while 'llegar a' without 'ser' simply indicates reaching a point or accomplishing something.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'llegar a ser' = becoming a new identity; 'llegar a' = reaching a destination or goal.
Explanation: While 'llegar a ser' indicates a process of becoming or transformation, 'ser' alone simply means 'to be' in a permanent or essential sense.
Confused word:
Él es un gran artista.
He is a great artist.
Notes: 'Llegar a ser' emphasizes the process or journey of transformation, while 'ser' states a current condition or identity.
Mnemonic: 'Llegar a ser' is about the journey to become something; 'ser' is about what you already are.