elecciones
/eh-lek-SYOH-ness/
elections
The first meaning of 'elecciones' refers to political voting events, or 'elections'.
📝 In Action
Las elecciones presidenciales son cada cuatro años.
B2The presidential elections are every four years.
El gobierno anunció la fecha de las próximas elecciones.
B1The government announced the date of the next elections.
La participación en las elecciones fue muy alta este año.
C1Turnout in the elections was very high this year.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for Politics
In Spanish, when referring to the political event where people vote, 'elecciones' is almost always used in the plural, even if English might say 'an election'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: "Hice una elección ayer."
Correction: Hubo elecciones ayer. (I made a choice yesterday is 'Hice una elección', but the political event needs the plural: 'There were elections yesterday.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Verb
You don't 'do' elections, you usually 'call' or 'hold' them. Use verbs like 'celebrar' (to hold) or 'convocar' (to call) when talking about the organization of the event.
The second meaning of 'elecciones' refers to the act of making 'choices' or selections.
📝 In Action
Debes vivir con las consecuencias de tus elecciones.
B2You must live with the consequences of your choices.
Sus elecciones de ropa siempre son muy elegantes.
B1Her clothing choices are always very elegant.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: elecciones
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'elecciones' in the political sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'elecciones' almost always plural when talking about government voting?
This is simply how the word developed in Spanish. While English treats 'election' as a singular event, Spanish refers to the entire process as a collection of acts—the 'selections' or 'choices' that make up the vote. Just remember that the political meaning is fixed in the plural form.