voto
/VOH-toh/
vote
In the context of elections, 'voto' means vote.
voto(noun)
vote
?electoral choice or decision
,ballot
?the paper used to vote
suffrage
?right to vote (formal)
,poll
?a single vote cast
📝 In Action
Mi voto es secreto, nadie sabrá a quién elegí.
A2My vote is secret; no one will know who I chose.
El presidente ganó por un solo voto de diferencia.
B1The president won by only one vote difference.
Todos los miembros tienen derecho a emitir un voto en la reunión.
B2All members have the right to cast a vote in the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Since 'voto' is masculine, remember to use 'el' or 'un' with it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -o (e.g., 'el voto secreto').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Voto' and 'Votación'
Mistake: "Using 'la voto' instead of 'el voto'."
Correction: Voto is masculine ('el voto'). 'Votación' (the voting process) is feminine ('la votación').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Emitir'
The most natural way to say 'to cast a vote' is 'emitir un voto', rather than a direct translation of 'lanzar' or 'tirar'.
A 'voto' can also refer to a solemn promise or vow.
voto(noun)
vow
?solemn promise, often religious
pledge
?a serious commitment
,oath
?a formal promise
📝 In Action
Los monjes hicieron un voto de pobreza y humildad.
B2The monks took a vow of poverty and humility.
Ella cumplió su voto de visitar la iglesia todos los domingos.
C1She fulfilled her vow to visit the church every Sunday.
Romper un voto es considerado una falta grave.
B2Breaking a vow is considered a serious offense.
💡 Grammar Points
The Verb 'Hacer'
To express the act of taking or making a vow, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un voto'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Use this meaning primarily in formal, religious, or literary settings. For everyday promises, use 'promesa'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: voto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'voto' in the sense of a solemn promise?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'voto' only used for political elections?
No. While it's most common in political elections, 'voto' is used anytime a group makes a formal decision, such as voting in a club meeting, a committee, or a board of directors. It is also used for religious vows.
What is the difference between 'voto' and 'votación'?
'Voto' (masculine) is the single choice or ballot you cast. 'Votación' (feminine) refers to the entire process of voting or the election event itself.