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How to Say "alternative" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “alternative” is “opción” — use 'opción' when you mean a general possibility or a choice between different things, often implying there are only a limited number of them.

English → Spanish

opción

nounA1general
Use 'opción' when you mean a general possibility or a choice between different things, often implying there are only a limited number of them.

Examples

No tenemos otra opción más que esperar.

We have no other option but to wait.

alternativo

al-ter-na-TEE-bohal.teɾ.naˈti.βo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'alternativo' when referring to something that is different from the usual or conventional, like an alternative route, method, or lifestyle.
A row of several red apples with one bright green apple in the middle.

Examples

Prefiero un enfoque alternativo para resolver este problema.

I prefer an alternative approach to solving this problem.

Buscamos un camino alternativo porque la calle está cerrada.

We are looking for an alternative route because the street is closed.

Tengo un plan alternativo por si llueve mañana.

I have a backup plan in case it rains tomorrow.

Es necesario proponer un modelo económico alternativo.

It is necessary to propose an alternative economic model.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending depending on the thing it describes. Use 'alternativo' for masculine things (un plan) and 'alternativa' for feminine things (una ruta).

Word Order

In Spanish, 'alternativo' almost always comes after the noun it is describing, just like most adjectives.

The Noun vs. The Adjective

Mistake: “No tengo otra alternativo.”

Correction: No tengo otra alternativa.

sustituto

soos-tee-TOO-tohsustiˈtuto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sustituto' when referring to something that is used in place of another, typically because the original is unavailable or unsuitable.
A shiny new lightbulb sitting on a table next to a burnt-out, dark lightbulb.

Examples

Este aceite de oliva es un buen sustituto para la mantequilla.

This olive oil is a good substitute for butter.

Puedes usar este ingrediente sustituto.

You can use this substitute ingredient.

El plan sustituto fue un éxito.

The alternative plan was a success.

Llevo un neumático sustituto en el maletero.

I carry a replacement tire in the trunk.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective here, it must match the noun. Use 'sustitutos' if you are describing more than one masculine thing.

Positioning

suplente

soo-PLEN-tehsuˈplente

adjectiveB2general
Use 'suplente' specifically for a backup or reserve option, like a substitute player in a game or a spare part.
A bright red spare tire sitting alone in a garage, ready to be used if a main tire fails.

Examples

El jugador suplente entró en la segunda mitad.

The substitute player came in during the second half.

Tenemos una pieza suplente por si la original se rompe.

We have a spare part in case the original one breaks.

Buscamos una fecha suplente para el evento por si llueve.

We are looking for an alternative date for the event in case it rains.

La bombilla suplente está en el cajón.

The spare lightbulb is in the drawer.

Positioning

Like most adjectives, it usually comes after the noun it describes.

Plural agreement

Mistake: “Las piezas suplente.”

Correction: Las piezas suplentes. Even though the word doesn't change for gender, it must still be plural if the noun is plural.

Choosing between 'alternativo' and 'opción'

Learners often confuse 'alternativo' and 'opción'. Remember that 'opción' refers to a specific choice or possibility (a noun), while 'alternativo' describes something as being different or unconventional (an adjective).

Related Translations

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