alcançar meta
to reach goal
Literally: to reach goal
Use `alcançar meta` to celebrate measurable achievements you worked hard to complete.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it when you finish a specific, planned objective.
- Works perfectly for both business and personal achievements.
- Implies you worked hard to get to the result.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you successfully hit a target or finish a big task you set for yourself. It is the satisfying feeling of checking something major off your to-do list.
Key Examples
3 of 6Celebrating a work achievement
Nós finalmente alcançamos a meta de vendas do mês!
We finally reached the sales goal for the month!
Talking about a personal diet or fitness
Alcancei minha meta e perdi cinco quilos.
I reached my goal and lost five kilos.
Texting a friend about a project
Meta alcançada! Terminei o relatório.
Goal reached! I finished the report.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply embedded in the 'concurseiro' culture in Brazil, where people study for years to pass public exams. It represents the ultimate triumph of discipline over difficulty. It also reflects the growing influence of coaching and entrepreneurship culture in the Lusophone world.
The 'Bater' Alternative
In Brazilian offices, people almost always say `bater a meta` instead of `alcançar`. It sounds more proactive and energetic!
Don't confuse with 'Golo'
In Portugal, a soccer goal is a `golo`. In Brazil, it's a `gol`. Never use `meta` to describe scoring in a match; that's only for the abstract concept.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it when you finish a specific, planned objective.
- Works perfectly for both business and personal achievements.
- Implies you worked hard to get to the result.
What It Means
Alcançar meta is about crossing the finish line. It means you had a specific objective and you actually did it. In Portuguese, alcançar carries the physical sense of reaching for something on a high shelf. Meta is your target. Together, they describe that 'mission accomplished' moment. It is not just about luck. It implies effort and a clear plan.
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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.
Cultural Background
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.
Common Variations
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.
Usage Notes
The phrase is safe to use in any environment. In very casual Brazilian Portuguese, swap `alcançar` for `bater` to sound like a local pro.
The 'Bater' Alternative
In Brazilian offices, people almost always say `bater a meta` instead of `alcançar`. It sounds more proactive and energetic!
Don't confuse with 'Golo'
In Portugal, a soccer goal is a `golo`. In Brazil, it's a `gol`. Never use `meta` to describe scoring in a match; that's only for the abstract concept.
The Meme Factor
If you reach a goal and say `vamos dobrar a meta` (let's double the goal), Brazilians will immediately know you're referencing a famous political meme.
Examples
6Nós finalmente alcançamos a meta de vendas do mês!
We finally reached the sales goal for the month!
Standard professional use for team success.
Alcancei minha meta e perdi cinco quilos.
I reached my goal and lost five kilos.
Used for personal health milestones.
Meta alcançada! Terminei o relatório.
Goal reached! I finished the report.
Short and punchy for a quick update.
Se todos colaborarem, vamos alcançar a meta facilmente.
If everyone collaborates, we will reach the goal easily.
Used to motivate a group toward a target.
Minha única meta hoje era sair da cama, e eu alcancei!
My only goal today was to get out of bed, and I reached it!
Using a serious phrase for a trivial task for comedic effect.
Foi difícil, mas alcancei a meta de comprar minha casa.
It was hard, but I reached the goal of buying my house.
Used for significant, emotional life events.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.
Eles ___ a meta ontem à noite.
Since the sentence refers to 'yesterday' (ontem), we need the past tense third-person plural form.
Which noun best fits the context of a professional target?
Precisamos trabalhar juntos para alcançar nossa ___.
'Meta' means goal, which is the logical thing to 'reach' (alcançar) in a work context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Alcançar Meta'
Bater a meta (Hit the goal)
Bati a meta!
Alcançar a meta
Alcancei a meta.
Atingir o objetivo
O objetivo foi atingido.
Where to use 'Alcançar Meta'
Office
Monthly targets
Gym
Weight/Strength goals
School
Passing grades
Personal Finance
Savings targets
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are very similar. Meta is usually more specific and measurable (like a number), while objetivo can be broader.
Absolutely! You can say Não alcanço aquela prateleira (I can't reach that shelf).
Yes, it is standard Portuguese. However, Portuguese people might lean slightly more toward atingir o objetivo in formal settings.
Just add 'não' before the verb: Eu não alcancei a meta.
Not at all. It's neutral. It sounds like you're taking your personal projects seriously.
Yes, for long-term goals like 'reaching the finals' (alcançar a meta de chegar à final), but not for scoring a point.
You could use fracassar (to fail) or simply não atingir.
It's common in speech, but alcançar sounds much more polished and precise.
Usually, you use the article: alcançar a meta. Use without the article for general titles or lists.
It's a slangy way to say 'goal accomplished.' You'll see it a lot in Instagram captions with a checkmark emoji.
Related Phrases
Bater a meta
Atingir o objetivo
Concluir a tarefa
Chegar lá
Missão cumprida
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