apodo
/ah-POH-doh/
nickname
An 'apodo' is a nickname used affectionately among friends and family.
apodo(noun)
nickname
?a casual name used by friends or family
alias
?an assumed name
,moniker
?a formal or literary term for a name
📝 In Action
Mi apodo en la escuela era 'El Gato'.
A2My nickname at school was 'The Cat'.
Muchos futbolistas son conocidos por su apodo.
B1Many soccer players are known by their nickname.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'apodo' with articles
Since 'apodo' is a masculine noun, always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a). Example: 'El apodo es gracioso' (The nickname is funny).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with 'Last Name'
Mistake: "Using 'apodo' to mean 'last name'."
Correction: Use 'apellido' for last names. 'Apodo' is only for informal nicknames (like calling a tall friend 'Skinny').
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Note
In many Spanish-speaking countries, nicknames (apodos) are extremely common and often based on physical traits or personality. They are usually affectionate, even if they sound blunt in English!
The verb 'apodo' refers to the action of giving someone a nickname.
apodo(verb)
I nickname
?the action of giving someone a nickname
I call
?referring to someone by a specific name
📝 In Action
Yo apodo a mi hermano 'Lolo' porque no puede decir su nombre.
B2I nickname my brother 'Lolo' because he can't say his name.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct objects with 'apodar'
When you nickname a person, you often use the 'personal a'. Example: 'Apodan a Juan como "El Toro"'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 'apodo' only means 'I nickname' when it follows the word 'yo' or is clearly the action in the sentence. Otherwise, it's almost always the noun 'nickname'.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apodo
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the most likely 'apodo' for someone named Francisco?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'apodo' and 'apellido'?
This is a common point of confusion! 'Apellido' means your last name (family name), while 'apodo' is a nickname given by friends or family.
Is 'apodo' the same as 'sobrenombre'?
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Sobrenombre' is slightly more formal, but both refer to nicknames.