What does alcanzar mean?
alcanzar means to reach; to get to to catch up in English. It is a irregular -ar verb.
It can also be used with these related meanings: to accomplish; to achieve; to be enough; to suffice.
Spanish verb guide
Alcanzar Conjugation in Spanish
Learn alcanzar, meaning to reach; to get to to catch up, through verified forms and contextual examples.
irregular-argerund: alcanzandoparticiple: alcanzado
Principal forms of alcanzar
- Infinitive
- alcanzar
- Gerund
- alcanzando
- Past participle
- alcanzado
Alcanzar conjugation table
Compare the present, preterite, imperfect, and future forms. Reflexive pronouns are included where the verb requires them.
| Pronoun | Present | Preterite | Imperfect | Future |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | alcanzo | alcancé | alcanzaba | alcanzaré |
| tú | alcanzas | alcanzaste | alcanzabas | alcanzarás |
| él / ella / usted | alcanza | alcanzó | alcanzaba | alcanzará |
| nosotros/as | alcanzamos | alcanzamos | alcanzábamos | alcanzaremos |
| ellos/as / ustedes | alcanzan | alcanzaron | alcanzaban | alcanzarán |
Pattern notes
- Its forms differ from a fully regular -ar pattern in the preterite.
Examples with alcanzar
Ella le alcanzó la llave.She handed him the key.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Tom pronto alcanzó a Mary.Tom soon caught up with Mary.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Tom alcanzó a Mary y John.Tom caught up with Mary and John.Tatoeba example · CC BY 2.0 FR
Practice prompts
- Conjugate alcanzar for yo in the present.
- Use the preterite form for ella.
- Say the nosotros/as imperfect form.
- Write a short sentence in the future.
Practice alcanzar online
Use VerbyGo for a quick conjugation round with instant feedback and accent checking.