apoyo
“apoyo” means “support” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
support, aid
Also: backing, rest
📝 In Action
Gracias por tu apoyo incondicional durante la crisis.
A2Thank you for your unconditional support during the crisis.
El proyecto recibió un gran apoyo del gobierno local.
B1The project received great backing from the local government.
Necesitamos un punto de apoyo estable para subir la escalera.
B2We need a stable point of rest/support to climb the ladder.
I support, I lean
Also: I back
📝 In Action
Yo apoyo tu plan cien por ciento.
A1I support your plan one hundred percent.
Siempre me apoyo en mis amigos cuando estoy triste.
B1I always lean on my friends when I am sad. (Note: uses the reflexive form 'apoyarse')
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apoyo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'apoyo' as a noun (meaning help or assistance)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin word *appodiare*, formed by combining the prefix *ad-* (meaning 'to' or 'toward') and the root *podium* (meaning 'foot, base, or support'). It literally means 'to put one's foot down' or 'to lean against a base.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'apoyo' (noun) y 'apoyar' (verb)?
The difference is simple: 'apoyar' is the action (to support/to lean), and 'apoyo' is the thing or result (the support/the aid itself). 'Yo apoyo' is also the verb conjugated form, meaning 'I support'.
Can I use 'apoyo' to mean 'I bear weight' or 'I tolerate'?
No. When you mean to tolerate or bear physical weight (like a roof supporting a heavy load), the correct Spanish verb is usually 'soportar'. 'Apoyar' means to lean gently or to give encouragement.

