apoyar
/ah-poh-YAR/
to support
Apoyar means 'to support' when referring to physically holding something up.
apoyar(verb)
to support
?physically holding something up
,to lean
?resting an object against something
to prop up
?using an object for stability
📝 In Action
Ella apoyó la escalera contra la pared.
A2She leaned the ladder against the wall.
Necesito algo para apoyar este libro pesado.
A1I need something to support this heavy book.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Use
When using 'apoyar' to mean physical support, it acts directly on the object being held up (e.g., 'apoyar la mano' - to rest the hand).
⭐ Usage Tips
Against a Surface
To say you are leaning something against a surface, you often use the preposition 'contra' (against) or sometimes 'en' (on).
When you back a person or cause, you 'apoyar' them.
apoyar(verb)
to support
?to back a person or cause
,to help
?to provide assistance
to endorse
?publicly approve
📝 In Action
Todos los vecinos apoyamos su iniciativa para limpiar el parque.
B1All the neighbors support her initiative to clean the park.
La familia la apoyó financieramente durante sus estudios.
B2The family supported her financially during her studies.
Yo apoyo tu decisión, aunque sea difícil.
A2I back your decision, even if it's difficult.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When supporting a person or idea, 'apoyar' takes them as a direct object. Unlike some English equivalents, it doesn't usually require a preposition like 'a' before the person unless clarifying identity.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Apoyar' and 'Soportar'
Mistake: "Using 'soportar' when you mean 'to support' (help/back)."
Correction: 'Soportar' usually means 'to tolerate' or 'to bear a burden.' Use 'apoyar' for moral or financial help.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional Support
This is the go-to verb for offering emotional encouragement: 'Siempre te apoyaré' (I will always support you).
Apoyar also translates to 'to lean on' when physically relying on something for stability or rest.
apoyar(verb)
to lean on
?physical reliance
,to rely on
?emotional or functional dependence
to depend on
?trusting someone for help
📝 In Action
Me apoyé en el hombro de mi amigo después de las malas noticias.
B1I leaned on my friend's shoulder after the bad news.
Nos apoyamos mucho en el trabajo en equipo.
B2We rely heavily on teamwork.
Apóyate en mí si estás cansada.
A2Lean on me if you are tired.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Action
When you use 'apoyarse,' the subject is performing the action on itself or for itself. It means 'to lean on' or 'to rely on' and requires the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se).
The Preposition 'En'
When 'apoyarse' means 'to rely on' or 'to lean on,' it almost always requires the preposition 'en' to introduce the person or thing you are leaning/relying upon.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Yo apoyo en mi familia' (I support on my family)."
Correction: You must include the reflexive pronoun: 'Yo *me* apoyo en mi familia' (I rely on my family).
⭐ Usage Tips
Metaphorical Use
This reflexive form is perfect for talking about needing help or drawing strength from resources, facts, or people ('apoyarse en datos' - to rely on data).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apoyar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'apoyar' in its reflexive form, meaning 'to rely on'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'apoyar' or 'apoyarse'?
Use 'apoyar' when you are supporting or leaning *something else* (e.g., 'I support the team'). Use 'apoyarse' when *you* are leaning on or relying on something for your own stability or help (e.g., 'I rely on my team').
Is 'apoyar' a regular verb?
Yes, 'apoyar' is a completely regular verb! You can use the standard '-ar' endings for all tenses, making it easy to conjugate.