Spanish word

aspirar

Pronunciation

IPA/aspiˈɾaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbaim to

Example

Ella aspira a ser médica.

She aims to be a doctor.

Illustration for aspirar (aim to)

More examples

Desde joven aspira a la excelencia en su trabajo.

From a young age she aims for excellence in her work.

Core concept

Setting sights on a distant prize.

Common phrases

  • aspirar a

    aim to

  • aspirar a la excelencia

    aim for excellence

  • aspirar a un puesto mejor

    aim for a better position

Similar words

buscar: Actively looks for or pursues something required to achieve a particular purpose.
intentar: Attempts an action or effort, often as a trial to see if it succeeds.
esforzarse: Works very hard and persistently, expending strong effort for an aim.
proponerse: Decides on a goal and commits to acting in order to accomplish it.

Definition in Spanish

Expresar un deseo fuerte por alcanzar algo o lograr una posición; en contextos físicos puede significar la acción de inhalar.

Word origin

From Latin aspirare (ad- 'to' + spirare 'breathe'), it literally means 'breathe toward' and extends metaphorically to mean to aim for or long for something.

Usage tips

  • English 'aspire' is a close cognate of Spanish aspirar, but Spanish typically needs the preposition a for the 'aim to' sense, otherwise the verb often refers to inhaling.

Other meanings

  • long forverb
  • inhaleverb

Opposites

  • conformarsesettle forverb
  • renunciargive upverb

Related words

Word lists with this word