Meaning
To successfully achieve a desired objective.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the phrase is often linked to the 'Cultura del Esfuerzo'. There is a strong social value placed on working hard to reach one's goals, especially in the context of competitive exams (oposiciones). In Mexico, 'alcanzar una meta' is frequently used in motivational speeches and family gatherings. It often carries a collective weight—reaching a goal is a way to honor one's parents or community. Argentines might use 'llegar' more frequently in casual speech, but 'alcanzar una meta' remains the standard for professional and serious personal achievements. In Colombia, the word 'coronar' is a very common slang alternative to 'alcanzar una meta', especially when the goal was very difficult or involved a bit of luck/risk.
Use with Adjectives
Make your Spanish sound more natural by adding adjectives like 'meta ambiciosa' (ambitious goal) or 'meta a corto plazo' (short-term goal).
Spelling Alert
Don't forget the 'z' to 'c' change in 'alcancé'. It's one of the most common spelling mistakes for intermediate learners.
Meaning
To successfully achieve a desired objective.
Use with Adjectives
Make your Spanish sound more natural by adding adjectives like 'meta ambiciosa' (ambitious goal) or 'meta a corto plazo' (short-term goal).
Spelling Alert
Don't forget the 'z' to 'c' change in 'alcancé'. It's one of the most common spelling mistakes for intermediate learners.
Professional Polish
In a job interview, use 'alcanzar los objetivos' instead of 'hacer el trabajo' to sound more results-oriented.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'alcanzar' en pretérito perfecto simple (yo).
Ayer, finalmente ________ mi meta de terminar el proyecto.
The 'z' changes to 'c' in the 'yo' form of the preterite.
¿Cuál es la forma más natural de decir 'to reach a goal' en un contexto profesional?
Para tener éxito, es necesario...
'Alcanzar' is the standard collocation for 'meta'.
Empareja la meta con el contexto adecuado.
1. Meta de ventas | 2. Meta de graduación | 3. Meta de maratón
These are the three most common fields where 'meta' is used.
Completa el diálogo con la palabra que falta.
—¿Crees que podremos ________ la meta este mes? —Sí, si trabajamos en equipo lo lograremos.
'Alcanzar' is the verb that completes the collocation with 'meta'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer, finalmente ________ mi meta de terminar el proyecto.
The 'z' changes to 'c' in the 'yo' form of the preterite.
Para tener éxito, es necesario...
'Alcanzar' is the standard collocation for 'meta'.
1. Meta de ventas | 2. Meta de graduación | 3. Meta de maratón
These are the three most common fields where 'meta' is used.
—¿Crees que podremos ________ la meta este mes? —Sí, si trabajamos en equipo lo lograremos.
'Alcanzar' is the verb that completes the collocation with 'meta'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are very similar. 'Alcanzar una meta' sounds slightly more inspirational, while 'lograr un objetivo' is more common in business reports.
Yes! You can say '¿Puedes alcanzar ese libro?' (Can you reach that book?). The figurative use for goals comes from this physical meaning.
In sports, 'llegar' (to arrive) is more common because it describes the physical act of crossing the line. 'Alcanzar' implies the effort of getting there.
Yes, in function. However, 'target' is usually translated as 'objetivo' or 'blanco'. 'Meta' is specifically the finish line or end goal.
You say 'fijar una meta' or 'proponerse una meta'.
No, 'meta' is always feminine: 'la meta', 'una meta'.
Not really. It's a bit too formal for slang, though 'coronar' is a slang alternative in some countries.
The most common opposite is 'fracasar' (to fail) or 'no cumplir la meta'.
No, that would sound very strange. Use 'llegar al supermercado' instead.
Yes, 'alcanzar' usually suggests that some effort or 'stretching' was required.
Related Phrases
Lograr un objetivo
synonymTo achieve a target.
Cumplir un sueño
similarTo fulfill a dream.
Fracasar en el intento
contrastTo fail in the attempt.
Fijar una meta
builds onTo set a goal.
Superar las expectativas
specialized formTo exceed expectations.
