elección
“elección” means “choice” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
choice
Also: selection, option
📝 In Action
Tienes que hacer una elección antes de las tres.
A2You have to make a choice before three o'clock.
La elección de los materiales afectará el precio final.
B1The selection of the materials will affect the final price.
¿Fue tu elección o te lo impusieron?
B2Was it your choice or was it imposed on you?
election
Also: polls
📝 In Action
Las próximas elecciones municipales serán muy importantes.
B1The next municipal elections will be very important.
El presidente ganó la elección por un amplio margen.
B2The president won the election by a wide margin.
La campaña electoral terminó el día antes de la elección.
B2The electoral campaign ended the day before the election.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: elección
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'elecciones' in the common political plural form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *electiōnem*, which meant 'a choosing out' or 'selection'. It shares roots with the English word 'elect'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'elección' feminine, even though it ends in -ón?
Most nouns ending in -ón are masculine (like 'el corazón'), but words ending in -ción (or -sión, -xión) are almost always feminine in Spanish. This helps you remember: 'la elección', 'la canción', 'la acción'.
What is the difference between 'elección' and 'opción'?
'Opción' means 'option'—it's one of the possibilities available to you. 'Elección' means 'choice' or 'selection'—it is the act of picking one of those options.