Inklingo
Dictionary

optar

op-TARopˈtaɾ

“optar” means “to opt for” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to opt forB1Verb

choosing one option over another

Learn more →
to apply forB2Verb

striving for a position, job, or award

Learn more →

to opt forAlso: to choose

VerbB1regular ar
A child standing in front of two ice cream cones, one strawberry and one chocolate, pointing at the chocolate one.
gerundoptando
past Participleoptado
infinitiveoptar

📝 In Action

Ante la duda, opté por decir la verdad.

B1

Faced with doubt, I opted to tell the truth.

Muchos estudiantes optan por estudiar en el extranjero.

B1

Many students choose to study abroad.

Si no quieres carne, puedes optar por el menú vegetariano.

A2

If you don't want meat, you can opt for the vegetarian menu.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • elegir (to choose)
  • decidirse (to decide)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • optar por el silencio – to choose to remain silent
  • optar por el camino difícil – to choose the hard path

to apply forAlso: to be a candidate for

VerbB2regular arformal
A person in a suit handing a paper folder to another person across a desk.
gerundoptando
past Participleoptado
infinitiveoptar

📝 In Action

Cien personas optan al mismo puesto de trabajo.

B2

One hundred people are applying for the same job position.

¿Quiénes optan al premio Nobel este año?

C1

Who are the candidates for the Nobel Prize this year?

Para optar a la beca, debes tener buenas notas.

B2

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must have good grades.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aspirar (to aspire to)
  • postularse (to apply/run for)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • optar a una plaza – to apply for a job opening
  • optar a la presidencia – to run for presidency

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yooptara
túoptaras
él/ella/ustedoptara
nosotrosoptáramos
vosotrosoptarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesoptaran

Present Subjunctive

yoopte
túoptes
él/ella/ustedopte
nosotrosoptemos
vosotrosoptéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesopten

Indicative

Preterite

yoopté
túoptaste
él/ella/ustedoptó
nosotrosoptamos
vosotrosoptasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesoptaron

Imperfect

yooptaba
túoptabas
él/ella/ustedoptaba
nosotrosoptábamos
vosotrosoptabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesoptaban

Present

yoopto
túoptas
él/ella/ustedopta
nosotrosoptamos
vosotrosoptáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesoptan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "optar" in Spanish:

to choose

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: optar

Question 1 of 3

Which preposition should you use if you are choosing the blue shirt instead of the red one?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
opción(option) — Noun
optativo(optional) — Adjective
optante(person choosing) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
cantaraceptarllegar
📚 Etymology

From the Latin verb 'optare', which means to choose or to desire. It is closely related to the word 'option' in English.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: optFrench: opterPortuguese: optar

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'optar' a regular verb?

Yes! It follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar in all tenses.

What is the difference between 'escoger' and 'optar'?

They both mean to choose, but 'optar' usually requires a preposition (por/a) and is slightly more formal. 'Escoger' is more common for daily choices like picking an apple.

Can I use 'optar' without 'por' or 'a'?

Generally, no. In Spanish, this verb needs one of those two small words to connect to the thing you are choosing or aiming for.