Éxito vs. salida
The Spanish words éxito and salida are a classic example of false friends for English speakers. Although éxito sounds like the English word exit, it means success. The actual Spanish word for exit is salida.
Éxito
B1The word éxito translates to success. It refers to the achievement of a goal, a favorable outcome, or a great accomplishment.
La fiesta de cumpleaños fue un gran éxito.
(The birthday party was a great success.)
El lanzamiento del nuevo producto tuvo mucho éxito en el mercado.
(The launch of the new product was very successful in the market.)
Te deseo mucho éxito en tus exámenes finales.
(I wish you much success on your final exams.)
Completar el proyecto a tiempo fue un éxito para todo el equipo.
(Completing the project on time was a success for the whole team.)
Su primer libro no tuvo el éxito que esperaba.
(His first book did not have the success he expected.)
Salida
A1The word salida primarily means exit or way out. It can also refer to a departure (like a flight), an outing (like a trip), or a figurative solution to a problem.
Busca el letrero que dice salida de emergencia.
(Look for the sign that says emergency exit.)
La salida de nuestro vuelo es a las diez de la noche.
(Our flight's departure is at ten at night.)
No encuentro la salida de este laberinto.
(I can't find the exit to this maze.)
El jefe busca una salida a la crisis financiera de la empresa.
(The boss is looking for a way out of the company's financial crisis.)
Mi única salida del día es para pasear al perro.
(My only outing of the day is to walk the dog.)
Summary
In summary, the key difference is one of meaning, not sound. Use éxito when you want to talk about success or achievement. Use salida when you are referring to a physical exit, a departure, or a way out of a situation. Never confuse éxito with the English exit.