Tips 097: Common Spanish Verbs – 7 Uses for the Word “Llegar”

In this week’s theory podcast we take a close look at the verb “llegar”.

“Llegar” is a common Spanish verb and generally gets used correctly by native English students but there are more ways to use this verb than what you may expect. 

In today’s podcast I have broken out the use of “llegar” into two categories: literal and figurative use of the idea.

What do I mean? Well, “llegar” means to arrive, you can, therefore, use it when literally arriving at a destination or at a given time. But, you can also use “llegar” when arriving at a conclusion, an agreement, a deal or to become something.

Check out today’s podcast for all of the examples for the use of “llegar” and leave a comment below if you have any questions or you know some other uses of “llegar” and want to add to the conversation.

Also, in today’s tip, I make a big announcement. I have changed the way the courses are offered at Real Fast Spanish. Now all of the courses are in one place. This month, I’m launching the Real Fast Spanish School. The school will be an online membership and when you sign up you will have access to everything! This means you will have access to every course produced at Real Fast Spanish.

Now you don’t have to choose between courses as you will have access to everything. Instead, you need to decide if you would like a curriculum based on the principles discussed at Real Fast Spanish and in the podcast. If you are interested, you can sign up for the school here: Real Fast Spanish School.

Other episodes mentioned in this tip: 

• Tip 19 – 3 Ways To Use “Lo” In A Sentence.
• Tip 53 – 10 Spanish False Friends You Need To Know.

Examples from the episode:

The train arrived at the station – El tren llegó a la estación.

I will arrive in Madrid on Tuesday – Llegaré a Madrid el martes.

To be early – Llegar pronto.

To be on time – Llegar a tiempo.

To be late – Llegar tarde.

I’m sorry for being late – Lo siento por llegar tarde.

The time has arrived to tell me the truth – Llegó la hora de decirme la verdad.

Come to think / Conclude – Llegar a pensar.

You might think that it is worth studying another language – Se podría llegar a pensar que vale la pena estudiar otro idioma.

To become (slowly or over a long difficult path) – Llegar a ser.

The pain becomes unbearable – El dolor llega a ser insoportable.

To close a deal – Llegar a cerrar un trato.

After a while, they came to close a deal – Después de mucho tiempo, llegaron a cerrar un trato.

To compromise, reach an agreement – Llegar a un acuerdo.

The most important thing in a relationship is being able to compromise – Lo más importante en una relación es la capacidad de llegar a un acuerdo

How else can you use “llegar” in a Spanish sentence?

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