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The Spanish word éxito looks almost exactly like the English word exit.
Because of this similarity, many beginners assume that the two words have the same meaning.
However, imagine that you are inside a large building and want to find the exit.
Can I ask:
¿Dónde está el éxito?
Does that mean “Where is the exit?”
No.
¿Dónde está el éxito? would mean something like:
“Where is success?”
To ask for the exit, say ¿Dónde está la salida?
This mistake may produce a strange but understandable sentence. Instead of asking where the door is, you may sound as though you are asking a philosophical question about achieving success.
éxito = success
salida = exit, way out or departure
tener éxito = to be successful / to succeed
exitoso / exitosa = successful
con éxito = successfully
In this article, we will examine the meaning of éxito, explain why it has an accent mark, and compare it with the English word exit.
- 1 What Does Éxito Mean in Spanish?
- 2 Is Éxito a Noun, Verb or Adjective?
- 3 Éxito Is a Masculine Noun
- 4 Éxito or Exito: Does the Accent Mark Matter?
- 5 How to Pronounce Éxito
- 6 Éxito vs. Exit: The Basic Difference
- 7 How to Say “Exit” in Spanish
- 8 How to Use Exit as a Verb in Spanish
- 9 Are Éxito and Exit Historically Related?
- 10 How Did “Going Out” Become “Success”?
- 11 Meaning 1: Éxito as a Successful Result
- 12 Meaning 2: Éxito as Popularity or Public Approval
- 13 Tener Éxito: To Succeed or Be Successful
- 14 Tener Éxito en Something
- 15 Tener Éxito al Do Something
- 16 Exitoso and Exitosa: Successful
- 17 Tener Éxito vs. Ser Exitoso
- 18 Con Éxito: Successfully
- 19 Mucho Éxito: Good Luck and Best Wishes
- 20 Éxito vs. Logro
- 21 Éxito vs. Triunfo
- 22 Éxito vs. Victoria
- 23 Éxito vs. Fama
- 24 Éxito vs. Fracaso
- 25 Un Gran Éxito, Mucho Éxito and Buen Éxito
- 26 What Does “¿Qué Es Éxito?” Mean?
- 27 Common Beginner Mistakes with Éxito
- 27.1 Mistake 1: Using éxito for a door or way out
- 27.2 Mistake 2: Forgetting the accent
- 27.3 Mistake 3: Pronouncing it like English exit
- 27.4 Mistake 4: Treating éxito as a verb
- 27.5 Mistake 5: Using éxito without an article when one is needed
- 27.6 Mistake 6: Confusing exitoso with exit
- 27.7 Mistake 7: Translating every use of succeed with tener éxito
- 28 Natural Conversation Examples
- 29 Frequently Asked Questions About Éxito
- 29.1 What does éxito mean in Spanish?
- 29.2 Does éxito mean exit?
- 29.3 How do you say exit in Spanish?
- 29.4 Why does éxito have an accent?
- 29.5 Is exito without an accent correct?
- 29.6 What does tener éxito mean?
- 29.7 What does exitoso mean?
- 29.8 How do you say successfully in Spanish?
- 29.9 What does mucho éxito mean?
- 29.10 What is the opposite of éxito?
- 29.11 What is the difference between éxito and logro?
- 29.12 How do you ask “What is success?” in Spanish?
- 30 Éxito Meaning: Summary
- 31 Related Guide
What Does Éxito Mean in Spanish?
Éxito is a masculine noun that normally means:
- success
- a successful result
- a favorable outcome
- popularity or public approval
- a hit, especially a popular song, movie or product
A result that turns out well or receives a positive response.
Does éxito always refer to becoming rich or famous?
No.
It can describe any result that achieves its purpose.
A project, medical treatment, party, exam, business, book or conversation can all be described as a success.
Example
El proyecto fue un éxito.
The project was a success.
La operación fue un éxito.
The operation was a success.
La fiesta fue todo un éxito.
The party was a complete success.
Su primera película fue un gran éxito.
Her first movie was a great success.
Is Éxito a Noun, Verb or Adjective?
Éxito is a noun.
It is not normally used as a verb by itself.
el éxito
success
Adjective:
exitoso / exitosa
successful
Common verbal expression:
tener éxito
to succeed / to be successful
English has the verb “succeed.”
Is there a Spanish verb exitar or exitarse that means “to succeed”?
Do not create a verb from éxito.
The most useful beginner expression is:
tener éxito
Spanish can also use verbs such as lograr, conseguir and triunfar, depending on context.
Éxito Is a Masculine Noun
The word is normally used with the masculine articles el and un.
success / the success
un éxito
a success
los éxitos
successes or hits
Why is it el éxito?
The word ends in -o, but should I always trust that ending?
Many Spanish nouns ending in -o are masculine, and éxito follows that common pattern.
However, endings are useful clues—not rules without exceptions.
It is safest to memorize the article together with the noun: el éxito.
El éxito requiere paciencia.
Success requires patience.
Fue un éxito inesperado.
It was an unexpected success.
Celebraron sus éxitos.
They celebrated their successes.
Éxito or Exito: Does the Accent Mark Matter?
When the noun means “success,” the correct spelling is:
Not:
exito
The word has three syllables:
éx-i-to
The stress falls on the first syllable, éx.
Because the stressed syllable is the third syllable from the end, éxito is an esdrújula word.
All Spanish esdrújula words carry a written accent mark.
Will people still understand me if I type exito without the accent?
They may understand from context, especially in a casual message.
However, it is still a spelling mistake when you mean “success.”
The accent is part of the correct spelling, not an optional decoration.
Success deserves an accent:
éxito
How to Pronounce Éxito
Éxito is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable.
IPA: /ˈeksito/
Approximate sound: EHK-see-toh
Do not pronounce it like the English word exit.
The Spanish word has three clear syllables:
ÉX-i-to
Should the second syllable sound like English “eye”?
No.
The Spanish letter i has a sound closer to the vowel in English “see.”
Say three short parts: ÉX-i-to, with the strongest emphasis on the first one.
Éxito vs. Exit: The Basic Difference
Éxito and English exit are false friends.
They are similar in spelling, but their modern everyday meanings are different.
| Word | Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| éxito | Spanish | success, favorable result, hit |
| exit | English | a way out, departure, or the act of leaving |
| salida | Spanish | exit, way out, departure |
¿Dónde está el éxito?
Where is success?
Correct:
¿Dónde está la salida?
Where is the exit?
What word should I look for on a sign when I want to leave a building?
Look for:
SALIDA
An emergency exit is normally marked SALIDA DE EMERGENCIA.
How to Say “Exit” in Spanish
The most common Spanish noun for an exit or way out is salida.
the exit / the way out / the departure
una salida
an exit / a way out
las salidas
the exits
¿Dónde está la salida?
Where is the exit?
La salida está a la derecha.
The exit is on the right.
No bloquees la salida.
Do not block the exit.
Busca la salida de emergencia.
Look for the emergency exit.
Why is it la salida but el éxito?
They are different nouns with different grammatical genders.
Salida is feminine, while éxito is masculine.
Memorize them with their articles: la salida and el éxito.
How to Use Exit as a Verb in Spanish
English can use exit as both a noun and a verb.
Spanish normally uses the verb salir when someone leaves or exits a place.
salida
to exit — verb
salir
to exit a place
salir de un lugar
Salieron del edificio.
They exited the building.
They left the building.
Debemos salir ahora.
We must exit now.
We must leave now.
Sal de la aplicación.
Exit the application.
Can I use salir for both leaving a room and closing a computer program?
Often, yes.
Salir can be used for leaving a physical place and exiting a program, menu or account.
Depending on the interface, you may also see cerrar for “close” or cerrar sesión for “log out.”
Are Éxito and Exit Historically Related?
Yes.
This pair is especially interesting because the words are not merely similar by coincidence.
Spanish éxito comes from Latin exitus, which referred to going out, a departure, an end or an outcome.
English exit also developed from Latin words connected with going out.
Latin exire
to go out
↓
Latin exitus
a going out, ending or result
↓
English exit
a departure or way out
Spanish éxito
a result, especially a favorable result
If they come from related Latin words, are they really false friends?
Yes.
False friends are defined by how words mislead learners in their modern meanings.
Two words can be genuine historical relatives and still become false friends after their meanings develop in different directions.
How Did “Going Out” Become “Success”?
The connection becomes easier to understand if we think of exit not only as a door, but also as the end or outcome of a process.
A business deal, performance, plan or action can have an outcome.
If that outcome is favorable, it is a success.
↓
the final result or outcome
↓
a favorable outcome
↓
éxito = success
So did éxito originally mean any result, not only a good result?
The older word family was connected with endings and outcomes more generally.
In modern everyday Spanish, however, éxito normally suggests a favorable or well-received result.
The opposite is usually fracaso, meaning “failure.”
Meaning 1: Éxito as a Successful Result
The most general meaning of éxito is a result that achieves the desired goal.
El experimento fue un éxito.
The experiment was a success.
La reunión fue un éxito.
The meeting was a success.
El tratamiento tuvo éxito.
The treatment was successful.
El plan no tuvo éxito.
The plan was not successful.
What is the difference between fue un éxito and tuvo éxito?
Fue un éxito describes something as “a success.”
Tuvo éxito says that it succeeded or produced the desired result.
They often communicate a very similar idea from slightly different grammatical perspectives.
The event was a success.
El evento tuvo éxito.
The event was successful.
The event succeeded.
Meaning 2: Éxito as Popularity or Public Approval
Éxito can also describe something that becomes popular or receives a very positive public response.
La canción tuvo mucho éxito.
The song was very successful.
The song was a big hit.
La serie fue un éxito internacional.
The series was an international success.
El libro se convirtió en un éxito de ventas.
The book became a bestseller.
The book became a sales success.
La película fue un éxito de taquilla.
The movie was a box-office hit.
Can éxito mean the English noun “hit”?
Yes, when “hit” means a popular song, movie, book or product.
For example, un gran éxito can mean “a big hit.”
It does not mean a physical blow or a baseball hit.
Useful Expressions for a Hit
a great success / a big hit
un éxito de ventas
a sales hit / bestseller
un éxito de taquilla
a box-office hit
un éxito internacional
an international success
todo un éxito
a complete or real success
Tener Éxito: To Succeed or Be Successful
The most important expression built with éxito is:
= to succeed
= to be successful
= to work or produce the desired result
Although tener literally means “to have,” do not translate the expression word by word every time.
Learn tener éxito as one unit.
Does Tengo éxito literally mean “I have success”?
That is the word-for-word structure.
However, natural English would usually be:
“I am successful” or “I succeed.”
Translate the expression according to the context, not mechanically.
Quiero tener éxito.
I want to succeed.
I want to be successful.
Tuvo éxito en los negocios.
He was successful in business.
Espero que tengas éxito.
I hope you succeed.
I hope you are successful.
El nuevo producto no tuvo éxito.
The new product was not successful.
Tener Éxito en Something
When naming the area in which someone succeeds, Spanish often uses:
tener éxito en los negocios
to succeed in business
tener éxito en la vida
to succeed in life
tener éxito en el trabajo
to be successful at work
Can I say tener éxito a los negocios?
Normally, use en for the area or activity:
tener éxito en los negocios
The preposition en introduces the field in which the success occurs.
Tuvo mucho éxito en su carrera.
She was very successful in her career.
La empresa tuvo éxito en el mercado europeo.
The company succeeded in the European market.
Tener Éxito al Do Something
When emphasizing success in carrying out a specific action, Spanish can use structures such as:
tener éxito al resolver el problema
to succeed in solving the problem
However, Spanish often sounds more direct with lograr or conseguir.
She succeeded in solving the problem.
She managed to solve the problem.
Consiguió abrir la puerta.
He succeeded in opening the door.
He managed to open the door.
Should I always translate “succeed” as tener éxito?
No.
Use tener éxito for general success.
Use lograr or conseguir when someone manages to achieve a specific action or objective.
Exitoso and Exitosa: Successful
The adjective related to éxito is:
exitosa — successful, feminine singular
exitosos — successful, masculine or mixed plural
exitosas — successful, feminine plural
Unlike éxito, exitoso does not carry an accent mark.
It is stressed on the next-to-last syllable:
e-xi-TO-so
Why does éxito have an accent, but exitoso does not?
The stressed syllable changes.
Éxito is stressed on éx, making it an esdrújula word.
Exitoso is stressed naturally on to, the next-to-last syllable, so it needs no accent mark.
Es un empresario exitoso.
He is a successful businessman.
Fue una campaña exitosa.
It was a successful campaign.
Publicó varias novelas exitosas.
She published several successful novels.
El tratamiento fue exitoso.
The treatment was successful.
Tener Éxito vs. Ser Exitoso
Both expressions can describe success:
to succeed / to have success
ser exitoso/a
to be successful
Tener éxito focuses on obtaining a favorable result.
Ser exitoso/a describes a person, project, product or activity as successful.
Are La campaña tuvo éxito and La campaña fue exitosa identical?
They are very close.
Tuvo éxito emphasizes that the campaign achieved a favorable result.
Fue exitosa directly describes the campaign as successful.
The campaign succeeded.
La campaña fue exitosa.
The campaign was successful.
Con Éxito: Successfully
A common way to translate the English adverb successfully is:
Literally: with success
Natural English: successfully
Completaron el proyecto con éxito.
They completed the project successfully.
La nave aterrizó con éxito.
The spacecraft landed successfully.
El problema se resolvió con éxito.
The problem was successfully resolved.
Is there also a single Spanish adverb meaning “successfully”?
You may encounter exitosamente.
However, con éxito is an extremely useful and natural expression that works in many contexts.
Beginners should become comfortable with it first.
Mucho Éxito: Good Luck and Best Wishes
Spanish speakers often say mucho éxito before an exam, presentation, interview or new project.
Good luck!
Wishing you lots of success!
I hope it goes well!
¡Mucho éxito en tu examen!
Good luck on your exam!
Te deseo mucho éxito en tu nuevo trabajo.
I wish you great success in your new job.
Mucho éxito con el proyecto.
Good luck with the project.
Is Mucho éxito exactly the same as Buena suerte?
They can be used in many of the same situations.
Buena suerte directly wishes someone good luck.
Mucho éxito wishes that the person’s effort or activity will produce a successful result.
Éxito en vs. Éxito con
Both prepositions can appear, but they introduce different information.
success in an activity, field, place or stage
éxito con
success with a person, object, method or particular project
Tuvo éxito en su carrera.
She was successful in her career.
Tuvo éxito con su nuevo producto.
He was successful with his new product.
Mucho éxito en la entrevista.
Good luck in the interview.
Mucho éxito con la presentación.
Good luck with the presentation.
Éxito vs. Logro
Logro usually focuses on something that a person has managed to achieve.
Éxito focuses more broadly on a favorable result or positive reception.
achievement or accomplishment
éxito
success or favorable result
If graduating from university is both an achievement and a success, which word should I use?
You can use either, but the focus changes.
Un gran logro emphasizes what the person accomplished through effort.
Un gran éxito evaluates the result as highly successful.
Finishing the degree was a great achievement.
El programa educativo fue un gran éxito.
The educational program was a great success.
Éxito vs. Triunfo
Triunfo often suggests overcoming opposition, winning, or achieving an impressive victory.
Éxito is broader and can describe a favorable result without competition.
triumph or victory, often after struggle or competition
éxito
successful outcome or positive reception
La victoria fue un triunfo histórico.
The victory was a historic triumph.
La exposición fue un éxito.
The exhibition was a success.
Éxito vs. Victoria
Victoria normally refers to winning a competition, battle, election or confrontation.
Éxito does not require an opponent.
The team achieved victory.
El evento fue un éxito.
The event was a success.
Éxito vs. Fama
Fama means fame or being widely known.
A person can have professional success without being famous, and someone can become famous for negative reasons without being successful in the intended goal.
Does tener éxito automatically mean becoming famous?
No.
Tener éxito means achieving favorable results.
Tener fama means being well known.
The two ideas can occur together, but they are not identical.
He is successful, but he is not famous.
Se hizo famoso por el escándalo.
He became famous because of the scandal.
Éxito vs. Fracaso
The most direct opposite of éxito is fracaso.
success
↕
fracaso
failure
El proyecto fue un éxito.
The project was a success.
El proyecto fue un fracaso.
The project was a failure.
No tengas miedo al fracaso.
Do not be afraid of failure.
Un Gran Éxito, Mucho Éxito and Buen Éxito
English speakers may be tempted to translate good success directly as buen éxito.
However, the more natural expressions are usually:
a lot of success / good luck
un gran éxito
a great success
todo un éxito
a complete or genuine success
Te deseo buen éxito.
More natural:
Te deseo mucho éxito.
I wish you great success.
What Does “¿Qué Es Éxito?” Mean?
The search phrase qué es éxito is understandable, but when asking about the general concept of success, natural Spanish normally includes the article:
What is success?
¿Qué significa éxito?
What does éxito mean?
These questions have different purposes.
asks for a definition or discussion of the concept of success.
¿Qué significa éxito?
asks for the meaning of the Spanish word.
Can you give me one final rule for remembering éxito and English exit?
Yes.
If you achieve your goal, think éxito.
If you leave through a door, think salida.
Remember: éxito is success—not the exit.
Common Beginner Mistakes with Éxito
Mistake 1: Using éxito for a door or way out
Where is success?
¿Dónde está la salida?
Where is the exit?
Mistake 2: Forgetting the accent
Incorrect spelling for the noun “success.”
éxito
Correct spelling.
Mistake 3: Pronouncing it like English exit
The Spanish word has three syllables and is stressed on the first:
ÉX-i-to
Mistake 4: Treating éxito as a verb
Not the normal way to say “I succeed.”
Tengo éxito.
I am successful.
Lo logré.
I succeeded. / I did it.
Mistake 5: Using éxito without an article when one is needed
Success is important.
El proyecto fue un éxito.
The project was a success.
Mistake 6: Confusing exitoso with exit
Exitoso means “successful.” It does not describe something related to leaving a building.
Mistake 7: Translating every use of succeed with tener éxito
Use lograr or conseguir when emphasizing that someone managed to complete a specific action.
Natural Conversation Examples
Conversation 1: Looking for the exit
Excuse me, where is the exit?
B: Al final del pasillo, a la izquierda.
At the end of the hallway, on the left.
Conversation 2: A successful project
How did the project go?
B: Fue todo un éxito.
It was a complete success.
Conversation 3: Wishing someone success
I have a job interview tomorrow.
B: ¡Mucho éxito!
Good luck!
Conversation 4: A popular song
Do you know this song?
B: Sí. Fue un gran éxito el año pasado.
Yes. It was a big hit last year.
Conversation 5: Successfully completing a task
Were you able to recover the files?
B: Sí, los recuperamos con éxito.
Yes, we recovered them successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Éxito
What does éxito mean in Spanish?
Éxito means “success,” “a favorable result,” or “a hit.” For example, El proyecto fue un éxito means “The project was a success.”
Does éxito mean exit?
No. Spanish éxito means “success.” The usual Spanish word for an exit or way out is salida.
How do you say exit in Spanish?
As a noun, “exit” is normally salida. As a verb, “to exit” is often translated with salir.
Why does éxito have an accent?
Éxito is stressed on the first syllable: ÉX-i-to. It is an esdrújula word, and all Spanish esdrújula words require an accent mark.
Is exito without an accent correct?
No. When you mean the noun “success,” the correct spelling is éxito.
What does tener éxito mean?
Tener éxito means “to succeed” or “to be successful.” For example, Espero que tengas éxito means “I hope you succeed.”
What does exitoso mean?
Exitoso means “successful.” Its feminine form is exitosa.
How do you say successfully in Spanish?
A common translation is con éxito. For example, Completaron la misión con éxito means “They completed the mission successfully.”
What does mucho éxito mean?
Mucho éxito literally means “much success,” but it is often used to wish someone good luck or success before an important activity.
What is the opposite of éxito?
The usual opposite is fracaso, meaning “failure.”
What is the difference between éxito and logro?
Logro emphasizes an achievement or accomplishment. Éxito emphasizes a favorable result or positive reception.
How do you ask “What is success?” in Spanish?
The natural question is ¿Qué es el éxito?. To ask about the meaning of the word, say ¿Qué significa éxito?.
Success or Exit? A 30-Second Check
Two lookalike words, two totally different jobs. Pick the one that matches what you actually mean.
Masculine noun: el éxito. Never a door.
Feminine noun: la salida. Look for this on signs.
Es un empresario exitoso.
Espero que tengas éxito.
Lo resolvieron con éxito.
※ Memory rule: if you achieved your goal, think éxito. If you are leaving through a door, think salida.
Éxito Meaning: Summary
Here is a summary of the meaning and usage of éxito.
● Correct spelling:
éxito, with an accent on the first é
● Pronunciation:
ÉX-i-to
● Grammatical gender:
el éxito, masculine noun
● “Exit” as a noun:
la salida
● “To exit” as a verb:
salir
● “To succeed”:
tener éxito
● “Successful”:
exitoso / exitosa
● “Successfully”:
con éxito
● “Good luck!”:
¡Mucho éxito!
● Opposite:
fracaso, failure
● Core image:
a favorable result or positive public response
Éxito and English exit are especially memorable false friends because they share a historical connection.
However, their modern meanings followed different paths.
Remember this simple contrast:
Éxito is the result you want.
Salida is the door you use to leave.
Real Academia Española: éxito
Real Academia Española: exitoso, exitosa
Real Academia Española: salida
Real Academia Española: general accent-mark rules
Online Etymology Dictionary: exit
FundéuRAE: éxito de taquilla and éxito de ventas
FundéuRAE: éxito as an alternative to hit
Related Guide
This word is one of many Spanish words that look like English but mean something else. For the full picture, read our complete guide: Spanish False Friends: The Words That Trick English Speakers.
