ganar

Senses

1. 1.

   to win

   to be victorious in a competition, game, or election

2. 2.

   to earn

   to obtain money or income through work

3. 3.

   to gain

   to obtain or acquire something (time, ground, advantage)

4. 4.

   to earn (figurative)

   to deserve or win someone's trust, respect, or affection

Examples

• "El equipo ganó el partido 3-2."

  The team won the match 3-2.

• "Ella gana 2000 euros al mes en su trabajo."

  She earns 2000 euros a month at her job.

• "Necesitamos ganar tiempo para terminar el proyecto."

  We need to buy time to finish the project.

Usage

Ganar is one of the most common Spanish verbs. It is regular (-ar conjugation) and can mean "to win," "to earn," or "to gain" depending on context. Common phrase: *ganar la vida* (to earn a living). Avoid confusing with *ganar a alguien* (to beat/win against someone) versus *ganar algo* (to win something).