alcançar meta

You use this phrase just like you would in English. You can use it for small wins or life-changing achievements. Simply conjugate the verb alcançar to match who did the work. For example, Eu alcancei a meta (I reached the goal). You can also use it in the plural: Alcançar metas. It sounds natural in almost any sentence structure. Try adding adverbs like finalmente (finally) to show how hard you worked.

Use it in the office when your team hits their sales numbers. Use it with your personal trainer when you finally run that 5k. It is perfect for LinkedIn posts or professional reviews. It also works for personal resolutions, like saving money for a trip. If you are talking about progress, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you sound focused and successful.

Don't use it for accidental successes. If you found twenty euros on the street, you didn't alcançar uma meta. That was just luck! Also, avoid it for very vague desires. If you just 'want to be happy,' that's a desejo (wish), not a meta. Meta implies something you can measure. Using it for 'finding true love' might sound a bit too much like a business transaction. Keep it for things you can track on a chart or a list.

Brazilians and Portuguese people are very goal-oriented in professional settings. However, there is a famous Brazilian joke about 'doubling the goal.' A former president once said, 'We didn't set a goal, but when we reach the goal, we'll double it.' This became a massive meme. Now, when people say alcançar a meta, someone might jokingly suggest doubling it. It shows the local sense of humor regarding bureaucracy and corporate talk.

You will often hear bater a meta in casual or business settings. Bater (to hit) is slightly more energetic than alcançar. You might also hear atingir o objetivo. This is a bit more formal but means the exact same thing. In sports, you might hear chegar lá (to get there). But for your resume or a serious talk, alcançar meta remains the gold standard.