apostar
/ah-pohs-TAHR/
to bet
Apostar means 'to bet' when placing a wager.
📝 In Action
Apuesto diez euros a que mañana llueve.
A2I bet ten euros that it will rain tomorrow.
¿Cuánto quieres apostar en el partido de fútbol?
A2How much do you want to bet on the soccer game?
No apuestes todo tu dinero, es muy arriesgado.
B1Don't bet all your money, it's very risky.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular Present Tense
In the present tense, the 'o' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ue' (apostar -> apuesto). This happens for almost all forms except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Preposition 'A' or 'POR'
When betting on something specific (like a team or result), you usually use the preposition 'a': 'Apuesto a la victoria' (I bet on the victory).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo aposto (Incorrect)"
Correction: Yo apuesto (Correct). Remember the 'o' becomes 'ue' when stressed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Apostar' with 'Que'
You can follow 'apostar' directly with 'que' to state what you are betting will happen: 'Apuesto que lloverá' (I bet that it will rain).
Apostar also means 'to commit to' or support an idea.
apostar(verb)
to commit to
?supporting a strategy or idea
,to champion
?advocating for a cause
to advocate for
?public support
📝 In Action
La empresa apuesta por la energía renovable a largo plazo.
B2The company is committed to renewable energy in the long term.
El nuevo director siempre apuesta por la innovación.
C1The new director always champions innovation.
Apostamos por un futuro más justo para todos.
B2We advocate for (or commit to) a fairer future for everyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Crucial Preposition 'POR'
When 'apostar' means 'to commit to' or 'to support,' it almost always requires the preposition 'por' (for/in favor of): 'Apostar por algo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'A' instead of 'POR'
Mistake: "Apuesta a la tecnología (Incorrect in this sense)"
Correction: Apuesta por la tecnología (Correct). Using 'a' makes it sound like they are gambling on technology.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Extension
Think of this meaning as putting your 'belief' or 'reputation' on the line for an idea, similar to how you put money on a bet.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apostar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'apostar' in the sense of 'to champion or commit to an idea'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apostar' a regular verb?
No, it is an irregular verb. In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' in most forms (like 'yo apuesto'), but it stays regular in the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms ('nosotros apostamos').
What is the difference between 'apostar a' and 'apostar por'?
'Apostar a' is generally used for literal betting (I bet on the result). 'Apostar por' is used figuratively to mean supporting or committing to a cause, strategy, or idea (We support new technology).