éxito
éxito في 30 ثانية
- Éxito means success, not exit.
- It is a masculine noun: el éxito.
- Commonly used with the verb 'tener'.
- The adjective form is 'exitoso'.
The Spanish word éxito is one of the most famous 'false friends' for English speakers. While it looks like the English word 'exit,' its meaning is entirely different. In Spanish, éxito translates to success. It refers to the favorable outcome of an action, a business venture, a performance, or a personal goal. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward mastering its use in daily conversation.
- Primary Definition
- The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.
La película fue un gran éxito en todo el mundo.
When we talk about success in Spanish, we often use the verb tener (to have). Unlike English where you 'are successful,' in Spanish, you 'have success' (tener éxito). This conceptual difference is vital for natural-sounding speech. Success can be professional, academic, or personal. For instance, passing a difficult exam is an éxito académico, while a company making a profit experiences éxito comercial.
- Conceptual Range
- It encompasses everything from a small personal win to global fame and fortune.
Deseo que tengas mucho éxito en tu nuevo trabajo.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin exitus, which means 'departure' or 'outcome.' While English kept the 'departure' meaning (exit), Spanish focused on the 'outcome' aspect, specifically a positive one. This is why in old texts, you might occasionally see it referring to the 'end' of something, but in modern Spanish, it is exclusively positive.
- Synonym Note
- While 'triunfo' (triumph) is similar, 'éxito' is much more common for everyday achievements.
El éxito no llega por casualidad, sino por trabajo duro.
In the context of music or entertainment, a 'hit' song is called an éxito. If you hear someone say 'los grandes éxitos de Shakira,' they are talking about her greatest hits. This usage is very common in media and pop culture. It implies that the song or movie achieved high sales or popularity.
Esta canción es el mayor éxito del verano.
Su éxito es el resultado de años de esfuerzo constante.
Using éxito correctly requires understanding its grammatical partners. Most importantly, it is a masculine noun. Therefore, it takes masculine articles (el éxito, un éxito) and masculine adjectives (éxito rotundo, éxito inesperado).
- Common Verb Pairings
- Tener éxito (to be successful), alcanzar el éxito (to reach success), lograr el éxito (to achieve success).
Para tener éxito en los negocios, hay que ser paciente.
When describing a person who is successful, you don't usually say 'él es éxito.' Instead, you say 'él tiene éxito' or use the adjective 'exitoso.' For example, 'Es un hombre muy exitoso' (He is a very successful man). This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who want to translate 'is successful' literally.
- Adjective Form
- Exitoso/a (Successful). Used to describe people, projects, or events.
Fue una reunión muy exitosa y productiva.
In professional settings, you might hear the phrase 'éxito de ventas.' This specifically refers to a product that is selling very well. Similarly, 'éxito de taquilla' refers to a box-office hit in the film industry. These compound phrases are essential for business Spanish.
- Preposition Usage
- We use 'en' to specify the area of success: 'éxito en los estudios', 'éxito en la vida'.
El libro tuvo un éxito de ventas increíble.
Another nuance is the intensity of the success. You can have a 'pequeño éxito' (small success) or an 'éxito rotundo' (resounding/complete success). Using these modifiers helps you express exactly how well something went. 'Rotundo' is a particularly common and sophisticated adjective to pair with 'éxito'.
La presentación fue un éxito rotundo ante los inversores.
Todos celebramos el éxito del proyecto final.
You will encounter éxito in almost every facet of Spanish life, from the news to casual dinner conversations. It is a high-frequency word because of its broad application. In the workplace, it is the standard term for achieving targets or finishing projects well.
- In the News
- Headlines often use it to describe economic growth, sports victories, or medical breakthroughs.
La misión espacial fue un éxito total.
In the world of entertainment, 'éxito' is synonymous with 'hit.' Radio DJs will introduce 'el éxito del momento' (the hit of the moment). On streaming platforms like Spotify, you will see playlists titled 'Éxitos España' or 'Grandes Éxitos.' This usage is ubiquitous and very easy for learners to spot.
- In Education
- Teachers use it to encourage students: '¡Te deseo mucho éxito en el examen!'
El éxito escolar depende de la disciplina.
In social settings, 'éxito' is used in toasts or well-wishes. If a friend starts a new business, you might say '¡Mucho éxito!' as a way of saying 'Good luck and I hope it goes well!' It is a more formal and powerful well-wish than a simple 'buena suerte'.
- In Literature
- Authors use it to discuss the themes of ambition, failure, and the human condition.
Brindemos por el éxito de nuestra alianza.
Finally, you will hear it in motivational contexts. Spanish-speaking motivational speakers (like those on YouTube or TEDx) frequently discuss 'la clave del éxito' (the key to success). This phrase is a staple of self-help and business coaching circles.
¿Cuál es el secreto de tu éxito?
El éxito es efímero si no se cuida.
The number one mistake is the 'False Friend' error. English speakers often say '¿Dónde está el éxito?' when they mean 'Where is the exit?'. This can lead to very funny or confusing situations, as you are essentially asking 'Where is the success?'.
- Mistake #1: The Exit Confusion
- Using 'éxito' for 'exit'. Correct word: Salida.
Incorrect: Busco el éxito del edificio. Correct: Busco la salida del edificio.
Another frequent error is using the verb 'ser' (to be) with 'éxito' to describe a person. In English, we say 'He is a success.' In Spanish, while you *can* say 'Él es un éxito' (meaning he himself is a successful 'hit' or phenomenon), it's much more common to say 'Él tiene éxito' (He has success) or 'Él es exitoso' (He is successful).
- Mistake #2: Verb Choice
- Saying 'Soy éxito' instead of 'Tengo éxito' or 'Soy exitoso'.
Mi hermano tiene éxito en su carrera de medicina.
Learners also confuse 'éxito' with 'suceso'. Because 'suceso' sounds like 'success', it's a tempting trap. However, 'suceso' means an event, often an unfortunate or criminal one (like a 'suceso policial'). If you want to talk about a successful event, call it an 'evento exitoso'.
- Mistake #3: The 'Suceso' Trap
- Using 'suceso' to mean success. 'Suceso' = Event/Happening.
El éxito de la fiesta fue la música en vivo.
Lastly, gender agreement is sometimes missed. Since 'éxito' ends in 'o', it is masculine. Beginners might accidentally use 'la éxito' because they are thinking of 'la victoria' or 'la fama'. Always use 'el éxito'.
Todo el éxito que ha logrado es merecido.
No confundas el éxito con la felicidad.
While éxito is the most common word for success, Spanish offers several nuances through related terms. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
- Triunfo
- A triumph. Usually implies overcoming a great obstacle or a competitor. More epic than 'éxito'.
Su victoria en los Juegos Olímpicos fue un triunfo histórico.
Another word is logro. This translates to 'achievement' or 'accomplishment.' While 'éxito' is the state of being successful, a 'logro' is the specific thing you achieved. For example, 'Getting my degree was a great achievement' (Obtener mi título fue un gran logro).
- Logro
- Achievement. Focuses on the completion of a task or goal.
Terminar el maratón es un logro personal importante.
Victoria (victory) is specifically used in sports, war, or competitions. You wouldn't usually say 'the victory of my business' unless you are speaking very metaphorically; 'el éxito de mi negocio' is much more natural. Use 'victoria' when there is a clear loser involved.
- Victoria
- Victory. Used when someone wins a match, race, or battle.
El equipo celebró su victoria con champán.
Finally, consider prosperidad (prosperity). This is a more formal word often used in economic or long-term contexts. It refers to a state of being successful over a long period, usually involving wealth. 'Éxito' can be a one-time thing, but 'prosperidad' is a lasting state.
- Prosperidad
- Prosperity. Long-term success and well-being.
Deseamos paz y prosperidad para el nuevo año.
Cada pequeño logro te acerca al gran éxito.
How Formal Is It?
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Noun-adjective agreement
Uses of 'tener' vs 'ser'
Masculine/Feminine endings
Prepositional phrases with 'en'
The suffix '-oso' to form adjectives
أمثلة حسب المستوى
¡Mucho éxito!
Much success!
A common well-wish.
Él tiene éxito.
He has success (He is successful).
Uses the verb 'tener'.
El éxito es bueno.
Success is good.
Masculine noun with 'el'.
Es un gran éxito.
It is a great success.
Adjective 'gran' comes before the noun.
Busco el éxito.
I am looking for success.
Direct object.
Mi éxito es hoy.
My success is today.
Possessive adjective 'mi'.
Un éxito musical.
A musical hit.
Noun-adjective agreement.
No es un éxito.
It is not a success.
Negation with 'no'.
La película fue un éxito total.
The movie was a total success.
Past tense 'fue'.
Deseo mucho éxito en tu examen.
I wish you much success on your exam.
Verb 'desear' + noun.
Ella es una mujer exitosa.
She is a successful woman.
Adjective 'exitosa' matches 'mujer'.
El libro tuvo éxito de ventas.
The book had sales success.
Compound phrase 'éxito de ventas'.
Trabajamos para alcanzar el éxito.
We work to reach success.
Infinitive 'alcanzar'.
Su éxito me hace feliz.
His success makes me happy.
Subject of the sentence.
No siempre tenemos éxito.
We don't always have success.
Adverb 'siempre'.
Este proyecto será un éxito.
This project will be a success.
Future tense 'será'.
La clave del éxito es la perseverancia.
The key to success is perseverance.
Abstract concept.
A pesar de los problemas, logramos el éxito.
Despite the problems, we achieved success.
Connector 'a pesar de'.
El éxito no se logra de la noche a la mañana.
Success is not achieved overnight.
Passive 'se' construction.
Espero que tengas éxito en tu nueva aventura.
I hope you have success in your new adventure.
Subjunctive 'tengas'.
El éxito profesional requiere sacrificio.
Professional success requires sacrifice.
Specific type of success.
Su éxito se debe a su gran talento.
His success is due to his great talent.
Phrase 'se debe a'.
Celebraron el éxito con una gran cena.
They celebrated the success with a big dinner.
Preposition 'con'.
El éxito es subjetivo para cada persona.
Success is subjective for each person.
Adjective 'subjetivo'.
El éxito rotundo de la obra sorprendió a todos.
The resounding success of the play surprised everyone.
Adjective 'rotundo'.
Muchos confunden el éxito con la fama.
Many confuse success with fame.
Verb 'confundir'.
Para asegurar el éxito, debemos planificar bien.
To ensure success, we must plan well.
Infinitive 'asegurar'.
El éxito de taquilla no garantiza calidad.
Box office success doesn't guarantee quality.
Specific industry term.
Si no te esfuerzas, el éxito será inalcanzable.
If you don't strive, success will be unreachable.
Conditional 'si'.
El éxito le cambió la vida por completo.
Success changed his life completely.
Indirect object 'le'.
Analizamos los factores que llevaron al éxito.
We analyzed the factors that led to success.
Relative clause 'que'.
El éxito requiere una mentalidad positiva.
Success requires a positive mindset.
Abstract noun usage.
El éxito es a menudo el resultado de fracasos previos.
Success is often the result of previous failures.
Sophisticated adverb 'a menudo'.
La empresa corre el riesgo de morir de éxito.
The company runs the risk of failing due to over-expansion.
Idiom 'morir de éxito'.
Su éxito fue tan fulgurante como efímero.
His success was as dazzling as it was fleeting.
Comparison 'tan... como'.
Cuestionó los parámetros del éxito moderno.
He questioned the parameters of modern success.
High-level vocabulary.
El éxito no debería medirse solo por el dinero.
Success should not be measured only by money.
Passive voice with 'debería'.
Alcanzó el éxito tras años de ostracismo.
He reached success after years of ostracism.
Preposition 'tras'.
El éxito mediático puede ser un arma de doble filo.
Media success can be a double-edged sword.
Metaphorical usage.
Su éxito radica en su capacidad de adaptación.
His success lies in his ability to adapt.
Verb 'radicar en'.
El éxito, en su acepción más pura, es la paz interior.
Success, in its purest sense, is inner peace.
Term 'acepción'.
La dialéctica entre éxito y fracaso es constante.
The dialectic between success and failure is constant.
Philosophical register.
Su éxito es el epítome del sueño americano.
His success is the epitome of the American dream.
Word 'epítome'.
No hay éxito que compense una vida vacía.
There is no success that compensates for an empty life.
Subjunctive 'compense'.
El éxito fue el catalizador de su caída.
Success was the catalyst for his downfall.
Metaphorical 'catalizador'.
La vorágine del éxito lo consumió.
The vortex of success consumed him.
Literary word 'vorágine'.
El éxito es un espejismo para los incautos.
Success is a mirage for the unwary.
Word 'espejismo'.
Su éxito es fruto de una coyuntura favorable.
His success is the result of a favorable situation.
Economic term 'coyuntura'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Use 'tener' for people, 'ser' for events.
Always remember: Éxito is NOT Exit.
- Using éxito for exit.
- Saying 'Soy éxito' instead of 'Tengo éxito'.
- Using 'suceso' to mean success.
- Forgetting the accent on the 'é'.
- Using 'la éxito' (incorrect gender).
نصائح
False Friend
Do not use 'éxito' when looking for the way out of a building.
Verb Pairing
Always pair 'éxito' with 'tener' when talking about people.
Adjective
Learn 'exitoso' alongside 'éxito' to describe people correctly.
Supermarket
In Colombia, 'Éxito' is a famous store name.
The X
The 'x' sounds like 'ks', not 's'.
Morir de éxito
Use this to describe a business that grows too fast.
Emphasis
Use 'rotundo' to describe a very big success.
Music
Listen for 'Grandes Éxitos' on album covers.
Greetings
Say '¡Mucho éxito!' to sound more professional than 'buena suerte'.
Mnemonic
Exit the fire to have success (éxito).
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of an 'EXIT' sign. If you find the exit during a fire, that is a 'SUCCESS' (éxito).
أصل الكلمة
Latin
السياق الثقافي
Often use 'triunfar' as a verb for being successful in life.
The adjective 'exitoso' is used very frequently in business contexts.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"¿Qué significa el éxito para ti?"
"¿Cuál ha sido tu mayor éxito este año?"
"¿Crees que el éxito requiere suerte?"
"¿Conoces a alguien muy exitoso?"
"¿Cómo celebras tus éxitos?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Describe un momento en el que tuviste éxito.
Escribe sobre la diferencia entre éxito y felicidad.
¿Qué pasos vas a tomar para alcanzar el éxito en tus estudios?
¿Es posible tener éxito sin trabajar duro?
Reflexiona sobre un 'éxito' que resultó ser un error.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is a false friend. It means success. Exit is 'salida'.
It is always masculine: 'el éxito'.
You say 'Tengo éxito' or 'Soy exitoso'.
It is called 'un éxito' or 'un gran éxito'.
No, never. Use 'salida' for a door or exit way.
The opposite is 'fracaso' (failure).
Yes, it is the standard adjective for successful.
It means to fail because you became too successful too fast to handle it.
You can say '¡Mucho éxito en tu examen!'.
Yes, it is very common in professional and commercial contexts.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Write a sentence using 'tener éxito'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The movie was a great success'.
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How do you wish someone success in an exam?
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Write a sentence with the adjective 'exitoso'.
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Translate: 'The key to success is hard work'.
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Use 'éxito de ventas' in a sentence.
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What is the difference between éxito and salida?
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Write a sentence about a 'hit song' using éxito.
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Translate: 'We reached success after many years'.
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Explain the idiom 'morir de éxito'.
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Write a formal closing for an email wishing success.
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Translate: 'Success is subjective'.
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Use 'éxito rotundo' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence with 'sin éxito'.
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Translate: 'Professional success requires sacrifice'.
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What does 'éxito de taquilla' mean?
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Write a sentence using 'cosechar éxitos'.
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Translate: 'I hope you are successful'.
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Use 'éxito mediático' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about 'éxito escolar'.
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Pronounce: 'Mucho éxito'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'He is a successful man'.
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Say: 'The movie was a success'.
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Say: 'I want to be successful'.
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Say: 'Where is the exit?' (Careful!).
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Say: 'The key to success'.
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Say: 'A resounding success'.
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Say: 'Good luck in your work'.
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Say: 'Greatest hits'.
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Say: 'I have success'.
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Say: 'Success is not everything'.
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Say: 'We reached success'.
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Say: 'A successful project'.
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Say: 'Without success'.
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Say: 'To achieve success'.
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Say: 'Professional success'.
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Say: 'The secret of success'.
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Say: 'Success changed him'.
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Say: 'I wish you success'.
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Say: 'A total success'.
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Listen to the sentence: 'El concierto fue un éxito'. What was a success?
Listen: 'No tuvo éxito en su intento'. Did he succeed?
Listen: 'Busca la salida, no el éxito'. What should you look for?
Listen: 'Es un hombre muy exitoso'. Is he successful?
Listen: '¡Mucho éxito en todo!'. What is being expressed?
Listen: 'Fue un éxito de ventas'. What does it mean?
Listen: 'El éxito rotundo de la gala'. How was the gala?
Listen: 'Cosecharon éxitos por años'. For how long?
Listen: 'El éxito es efímero'. How is success described?
Listen: 'La clave del éxito'. What is the topic?
Listen: 'Tener éxito requiere tiempo'. What does it require?
Listen: 'Un éxito mediático'. What kind of success?
Listen: 'Sus grandes éxitos'. What are they talking about?
Listen: 'Alcanzar el éxito'. What is the verb?
Listen: 'El éxito de la empresa'. Whose success?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The most important thing to remember is that 'éxito' is a false friend; it means 'success'. To say 'exit', use 'salida'. Example: 'Tener éxito en la vida' means 'To be successful in life'.
- Éxito means success, not exit.
- It is a masculine noun: el éxito.
- Commonly used with the verb 'tener'.
- The adjective form is 'exitoso'.
False Friend
Do not use 'éxito' when looking for the way out of a building.
Verb Pairing
Always pair 'éxito' with 'tener' when talking about people.
Adjective
Learn 'exitoso' alongside 'éxito' to describe people correctly.
Supermarket
In Colombia, 'Éxito' is a famous store name.
مثال
In context, `éxito` expresses: success.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات false_friends
aceitar
A2Primary meaning: to oil (archaic).
aceite
A2زيت. سائل دهني يستخدم في الطبخ أو التشحيم.
aceto
A2أنا أقبل. تستخدم للتعبير عن الموافقة أو استلام شيء ما.
acordar
A2اتفقنا على موعد الاجتماع القادم.
actualmente
A2حالياً، أعمل على مشروع جديد ومثير.
advertir
A2تحذير شخص ما من خطر. ملاحظة أو إدراك شيء ما.
apellido
A2Primary meaning: surname, last name.
asistir
A21. الحضور في حدث أو مكان. 'أحضر المحاضرة.' 2. تقديم المساعدة أو العون. 'يساعد الطبيب المريض.'
atender
A2سيقوم النادل بخدمتك على الفور. يجب علينا الاهتمام بهذه المشكلة العاجلة.
aviso
A2إشعار أو تحذير يُعطى لشخص ما لإبلاغه بشيء ما.