opción
/ohp-SYOHN/
option
The word opción refers to having a choice available.
📝 In Action
Solo tenemos una opción: empezar de nuevo.
A1We only have one option: start over.
La tercera opción es la más barata, pero la más lenta.
A2The third choice is the cheapest, but the slowest.
Si no funciona, tenemos otras opciones en mente.
B1If it doesn't work, we have other options in mind.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check: Always Feminine
Remember that 'opción' is always a feminine word. You must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it, and any adjectives describing it must also end in '-a' (e.g., 'la mejor opción').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronunciation of the 'C'
Mistake: "Pronouncing the 'c' like an English 'sh' sound (like in 'ocean')."
Correction: The 'c' followed by 'i' or 'e' is pronounced like an 's' sound in most of Latin America, or like the 'th' sound in Spain. Don't use a 'sh' sound.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'de' for Type of Option
When specifying what the choice is about, use 'de' (of): 'opción de compra' (option to buy) or 'opción de pago' (payment option).
In finance, an opción is a contract that gives the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell something.
opción(noun)
option
?A contract giving the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell something.
call/put option
?finance/stocks
📝 In Action
El acuerdo incluye una opción de compra prioritaria sobre las acciones.
B2The agreement includes a priority purchase option on the shares.
Debemos ejercer la opción antes de la fecha límite.
C1We must exercise the option before the deadline.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Language
In this context, 'opción' is often paired with formal verbs like 'adquirir' (to acquire), 'ejercer' (to exercise), or 'caducar' (to expire).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: opción
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'opción'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'opción' similar to 'elección'?
Yes, they are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Opción' usually refers to one of several available things, while 'elección' focuses more on the act of choosing or the final chosen thing.
How do I say 'optional' in Spanish?
The most common word is 'optativo' or 'opcional.' For example, 'Es una clase opcional' (It is an optional class).