votos
/BOH-tohs/
votes
Showing how "votos" means 'votes' during elections.
votos(noun)
votes
?elections, meetings
,ballots
?physical voting slips
suffrages
?formal/legal term for the right to vote
📝 In Action
El candidato ganó por mayoría de votos.
B1The candidate won by a majority of votes.
El recuento de votos duró toda la noche.
B2The counting of the ballots lasted all night.
Necesitamos diez votos a favor para aprobar la propuesta.
B1We need ten votes in favor to approve the proposal.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural in this Context
When talking about elections or counting, 'votos' is almost always used in the plural, even if referring to the total count.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Verb
The verb related to 'votos' is 'votar' (to vote). You say 'emitir un voto' (to cast a vote).
Illustrating "votos" as 'vows' or solemn promises, often exchanged in marriage.
📝 In Action
Los novios intercambiaron sus votos matrimoniales.
B2The bride and groom exchanged their marriage vows.
La monja hizo votos de pobreza y obediencia.
C1The nun took vows of poverty and obedience.
Romper los votos es una traición a la promesa.
C1Breaking the vows is a betrayal of the promise.
💡 Grammar Points
Types of Vows
In religious contexts, 'votos' are often followed by 'de' plus the virtue being promised: 'votos de castidad' (vows of chastity).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Use 'votos' for very serious, life-changing promises, not for everyday commitments.
Representing "votos" when used to mean 'wishes' or hopes for success.
votos(noun)
wishes
?hopes for someone's success or well-being
prayers
?formal expression of hope
📝 In Action
Hacemos votos por la pronta recuperación de todos los afectados.
C1We express our sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of all those affected.
Mis votos son que logres todo lo que te propongas.
C2My wishes are that you achieve everything you set out to do.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Expression
This meaning is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'hacer votos por [algo/alguien]', meaning to wish strongly for that thing or person.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: votos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'votos' in the context of a solemn promise?
📚 More Resources
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'.