verb

ganar

win · beat

Es obtener algo bueno como dinero, un premio o una victoria después de un esfuerzo o competencia.

Definition & meaning

The verb ganar in Spanish has several meanings depending on the context:

To win or to triumph: To come out victorious in a competition, game, or conflict.
To earn or to gain: To receive money in exchange for work or to obtain something positive (like time, experience, or an advantage) through effort.
To reach or to arrive: In some contexts, it can mean to reach a specific destination, often implying effort to get there (e.g., "ganar la orilla" – to reach the shore).
To persuade: To win someone over to one's side or way of thinking.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Ganar is a regular first-conjugation verb (-ar). It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object (e.g., "ganar el partido" – to win the game). When used in the sense of earning money, it is often followed by the amount or the salary.

Origin: The word comes from the Gothic word ganan, which meant to covet or to desire. Over time, its meaning shifted from the act of desiring something to the act of obtaining or acquiring it through effort or competition.