How to Say To Luck in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, the English verb "to luck" can be challenging to translate directly into Spanish due to its nuanced meaning. In Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing good fortune or being lucky is often done through various phrases that capture the essence of chance and favorable circumstances.
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How to Say 'To Luck' in Spanish
The English verb "to luck" does not have a direct and universally accepted equivalent in Spanish. However, it can be translated into several phrases that convey similar meanings depending on the context.
- Tener suerte (IPA: /teˈner ˈswerte/): This is the most general translation for "to luck" in Spanish and means "to have luck" or "to be lucky." It's widely used across various Spanish-speaking regions.
- Correr con suerte (IPA: /koˈrer kon ˈswerte/): This expression translates to "to run with luck," suggesting that someone is fortunate in a specific situation. It’s often used similarly to “to luck” in English contexts.
- Contar con buena suerte (IPA: /konˈtar kon ˈbwena ˈswerte/): This phrase emphasizes having good luck or "lucking out" and means "to count on good luck."
- Tener fortuna (IPA: /teˈner forˈtu.na/): Similar to “tener suerte,” this phrase leans more towards the idea of "having fortune." It is commonly used in Latin American countries.
- Estar de suerte (IPA: /esˈtar de ˈswerte/): This expression conveys being lucky at a particular moment or during an event, translating to "to be in luck."
Cultural Significance of Luck Expressions in Spanish-Speaking Countries
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In Spanish-speaking cultures, luck is often regarded as an essential factor in life. People might use these phrases to express good wishes or congratulate others on their good fortune. It’s also common to hear them in everyday conversations when discussing serendipitous events or outcomes.
Common Idioms Related to Luck
Spanish offers a rich array of idioms related to luck, adding color and depth to the language:
- Tener la suerte de (IPA: /teˈner la ˈswerte ðe/): This idiom means "to have the good fortune of" doing something.
- Echar la suerte (IPA: /ɛtʃaɾ la ˈswerte/): To take a chance or risk, literally meaning “to throw luck.”
- Tener mala suerte (IPA: /teˈner maˈla ˈswerte/): This phrase means "to have bad luck."
How to Use 'To Luck' in Formal Spanish Settings
In formal settings, it's important to choose expressions that convey the idea of good fortune or chance without sounding too casual. For instance:
- Tener la fortuna de (IPA: /teˈner la forˈtu.na ðe/): This phrase is more appropriate in formal contexts, meaning "to have the fortune of."
- Estar en buena suerte (IPA: /esˈtar en ˈbwena ˈswerte/): This expression means "to be in good luck" and can be used formally to acknowledge someone's fortunate situation.
How to Say 'To Luck' in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use:
- ¡Qué suerte tienes!
(How lucky you are!)
- Corriste con suerte en el examen.
(You lucked out on the exam.)
- Siempre cuento con buena suerte en los sorteos.
(I always count on good luck in lotteries.)
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