Inklingo
← Dictionary

votos

BOH-tohs/ˈbotos/

votes, ballots

Also: suffrages
NounmB1
A hand dropping a folded paper ballot into a wooden ballot box with a slot on top.

📝 In Action

El candidato ganó por mayoría de votos.

B1

The candidate won by a majority of votes.

El recuento de votos duró toda la noche.

B2

The counting of the ballots lasted all night.

Necesitamos diez votos a favor para aprobar la propuesta.

B1

We need ten votes in favor to approve the proposal.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sufragios (votes (formal))
  • votaciones (voting/elections)

Common Collocations

  • mayoría de votos – majority vote
  • contar los votos – to count the votes

vows

Also: oaths
NounmB2formal
Two hands, one male and one female, gently holding each other, with a wedding ring visible, symbolizing a solemn promise or marriage vows.

📝 In Action

Los novios intercambiaron sus votos matrimoniales.

B2

The bride and groom exchanged their marriage vows.

La monja hizo votos de pobreza y obediencia.

C1

The nun took vows of poverty and obedience.

Romper los votos es una traición a la promesa.

C1

Breaking the vows is a betrayal of the promise.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • votos de silencio – vows of silence
  • hacer votos – to take vows

wishes

Also: prayers
NounmC1formal
A child gently blowing the seeds off a large dandelion head, symbolizing making a wish or expressing hopes.

📝 In Action

Hacemos votos por la pronta recuperación de todos los afectados.

C1

We express our sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of all those affected.

Mis votos son que logres todo lo que te propongas.

C2

My wishes are that you achieve everything you set out to do.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer votos por – to wish earnestly for

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "votos" in Spanish:

ballots→oaths→prayers→suffrages→votes→vows→wishes→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: votos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'votos' in the context of a solemn promise?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
rotosmotos
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word 'votum', which meant 'a promise made to a deity' or 'a solemn wish'. This explains why the Spanish word covers both votes (a public declaration of intent) and solemn vows.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: votoPortuguese: votoEnglish: votive

💡 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 'votos' the same as 'votaciones'?

'Votos' refers to the individual votes or ballots themselves (the count). 'Votaciones' refers to the entire process of voting or the election event as a whole. You count the 'votos' during the 'votaciones'.

How do I know if 'votos' means 'votes' or 'vows'?

Context is key! If you are talking about politics, counting, or elections, it means 'votes'. If you are talking about marriage, nuns, or monks, it means 'vows' or 'solemn promises'.