apuestas
/ah-POO-ehs-tas (like 'a-pwest-ahs')/
bets
As a noun, 'apuestas' means 'bets' or wagers placed.
apuestas(noun)
bets
?wagers placed
,gambling
?the general activity (often used collectively in plural)
wagers
?formal term for bets
📝 In Action
Las apuestas deportivas son muy populares en este país.
B1Sports betting is very popular in this country.
Perdí todas mis apuestas en la carrera de caballos.
A2I lost all my bets on the horse race.
¿Cuáles son tus apuestas para el resultado final?
B2What are your predictions (bets) for the final result?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for the Activity
When talking about the general activity of gambling or betting, Spanish almost always uses the plural form, 'las apuestas', while English might use the singular 'betting'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Singular for the Activity
Mistake: "La apuesta es ilegal."
Correction: Las apuestas son ilegales. (Use the plural noun when referring to the general concept.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clue
If you see 'las' or 'unas' before 'apuestas', you know it's the plural noun meaning 'bets' or 'wagers'.
As an informal verb phrase, 'apuestas' (you bet) is used to express strong agreement or confirmation.
apuestas(verb)
you bet
?informal 'tú' form, present tense
,you wager
?informal 'tú' form, present tense
you stake
?less common meaning, usually money
📝 In Action
Si apuestas tu dinero, puedes perderlo todo.
A2If you bet your money, you can lose everything.
Dime cuánto apuestas al equipo azul.
B1Tell me how much you are betting on the blue team.
Espero que no apuestas demasiado en ese juego.
B2I hope you don't bet too much on that game. (Using subjunctive for hope)
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change Alert (o → ue)
The verb 'apostar' is irregular. When you use the present tense for 'yo', 'tú', 'él/ella', and 'ellos/ellas', the 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue'. For example: Yo apuesto, Tú apuestas.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "¿Cuánto apostas?"
Correction: ¿Cuánto apuestas? (The 'o' must change to 'ue' in the 'tú' form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using Apostar Figuratively
You can also use 'apostar por' (to bet on) to mean 'to advocate for' or 'to support' a person, idea, or strategy: 'Apuestas por la tecnología limpia' (You are backing clean technology).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apuestas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'apuestas' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'apuestas' means 'bets' (noun) or 'you bet' (verb)?
Look at the words around it. If it follows 'Las' or 'Unas' (the/some), it's the plural noun ('The bets...'). If it follows 'Tú' (you) or is the main action of the sentence, it's the verb ('You bet...').