apoya
/ah-POY-ah/
to support
The word 'apoya' can mean to support or help someone.
apoya(verb)
to support
?to provide help, backing, or approval for someone or an idea
to back
?to stand behind a decision or candidate
,to favor
?to be on the side of a specific option
📝 In Action
Ella siempre apoya a su familia.
A1She always supports her family.
El gobierno apoya el nuevo plan.
B1The government backs the new plan.
💡 Grammar Points
When to use 'apoya'
Use this form when you want to say 'he supports,' 'she supports,' or 'it supports.' It also works when you are telling a friend to 'support' something.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Support vs. Assist
Mistake: "Using 'asistir' to mean emotional support."
Correction: Use 'apoyar' (apoya) for emotional or moral backing; 'asistir' usually means to attend an event.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Personal A'
If 'apoya' is followed by a specific person (like 'apoya a María'), remember to add that little word 'a' in between!
In another context, 'apoya' means to lean something against a surface.
apoya(verb)
to lean
?to place something against a surface for balance
,to rest
?to place a part of the body on something
to base
?to found an argument or theory on something
📝 In Action
Él apoya la escalera en la pared.
B1He leans the ladder against the wall.
Apoya tu cabeza en mi hombro.
A2Rest your head on my shoulder.
💡 Grammar Points
Physical Leaning
When using this word for leaning, you often use the word 'en' (on/in) or 'contra' (against) to show where the object is placed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Instructions
If you are telling someone 'Lean here!', you use 'apoya'. If you are telling them 'Lean yourself!', you would say 'apóyate'.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apoya
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'apoya' to mean emotional support?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apoya' the same as 'apoyo'?
No. 'Apoya' is an action (he/she supports or lean!), while 'apoyo' is either the noun (the support) or the 'I' form of the action (I support).
Can I use 'apoya' for a physical wall?
Yes! You can say 'apoya la espalda contra la pared' to mean 'lean your back against the wall'.