Meaning
To satisfy the hopes or requirements of others.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'cumplir' is also used for birthdays ('cumplir años'). This links the idea of 'completing' a year with 'completing' a duty. In Mexico, you might hear 'quedar bien' as an informal way to say you met expectations and made a good impression. Argentines often use 'estar a la altura' in political and sports contexts to discuss if someone is capable enough. In Colombia, 'llenar las expectativas' is very common and used interchangeably with 'cumplir con'.
The 'Con' Rule
If you forget the 'con', you sound like a beginner. If you include it, you instantly sound like a B2 speaker.
Don't use 'Meet'
Never say 'conocer expectativas' or 'encontrar expectativas'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To satisfy the hopes or requirements of others.
The 'Con' Rule
If you forget the 'con', you sound like a beginner. If you include it, you instantly sound like a B2 speaker.
Don't use 'Meet'
Never say 'conocer expectativas' or 'encontrar expectativas'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Modesty
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying 'He cumplido con las expectativas' might sound a bit arrogant. Use 'Espero haber cumplido...' (I hope I have met...) to sound more humble.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la preposición y la palabra correcta.
El nuevo restaurante no cumplió ______ las ______.
The correct collocation is 'cumplir con las expectativas'.
Selecciona la opción que significa 'to exceed expectations'.
¿Cómo se dice 'to exceed expectations' en español?
'Superar' is the standard verb for going beyond a limit or expectation.
Completa el diálogo de la entrevista de trabajo.
Jefe: 'Buscamos a alguien que pueda ______ con las expectativas de ventas'.
In a professional context, 'cumplir' is the most appropriate verb for meeting goals or expectations.
Empareja la frase con la situación adecuada.
Frase: 'No estuviste a la altura'.
'No estar a la altura' is a synonym for not meeting expectations, usually used when someone is disappointed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl nuevo restaurante no cumplió ______ las ______.
The correct collocation is 'cumplir con las expectativas'.
¿Cómo se dice 'to exceed expectations' en español?
'Superar' is the standard verb for going beyond a limit or expectation.
Jefe: 'Buscamos a alguien que pueda ______ con las expectativas de ventas'.
In a professional context, 'cumplir' is the most appropriate verb for meeting goals or expectations.
Frase: 'No estuviste a la altura'.
'No estar a la altura' is a synonym for not meeting expectations, usually used when someone is disappointed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn some regions and in very informal speech, people do it. However, for exams (DELE/SIELE) and professional writing, you MUST use 'con'.
'Satisfacer' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the feeling of the person who had the expectations. 'Cumplir' emphasizes the action of the person doing the work.
No. 'Esperanza' is 'hope' (emotional). 'Expectativa' is 'expectation' (a standard or logical anticipation).
You can say 'no cumplir con las expectativas' or 'quedarse corto'.
95% of the time, yes. We usually have more than one expectation for a person or product.
For laws, we say 'cumplir la ley' or 'cumplir con la ley'. 'Expectativas' is for quality and hopes, not legal rules.
Extremely common in both Spain and Latin America.
Se dice 'gestionar las expectativas'.
It means to do better than what was expected (to exceed expectations).
It is neutral to formal. It's safe to use with your boss or your friends.
Related Phrases
Estar a la altura
similarTo be up to the task/standard.
Superar las expectativas
builds onTo exceed expectations.
Defraudar
contrastTo disappoint or let down.
Dar la talla
similarTo measure up.
