Inklingo

How to Say "bets" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apuestas

ah-POO-ehs-tas (like 'a-pwest-ahs')/aˈpwes.tas/

nounB1
Use 'apuestas' when referring to the general concept of wagers or gambling as a noun.
A close-up view of two cartoon hands shaking firmly over a small pile of gold coins and colorful betting chips on a green felt table, representing wagers placed.

Examples

Las apuestas deportivas son muy populares en este país.

Sports betting is very popular in this country.

Perdí todas mis apuestas en la carrera de caballos.

I lost all my bets on the horse race.

¿Cuáles son tus apuestas para el resultado final?

What are your predictions (bets) for the final result?

Always Plural for the Activity

When talking about the general activity of gambling or betting, Spanish almost always uses the plural form, 'las apuestas', while English might use the singular 'betting'.

Using Singular for the Activity

Mistake: “La apuesta es ilegal.”

Correction: Las apuestas son ilegales. (Use the plural noun when referring to the general concept.)

juega

HWEH-gah/ˈxwe.ɣa/

verbB1
Use 'juega' (from the verb 'jugar') when describing the action of a person or entity placing a bet.
A human hand releasing two simple, oversized, colorful dice onto a wooden table, illustrating a game of chance.

Examples

Mi tío juega a la lotería cada semana.

My uncle bets on the lottery every week.

Ella juega con el dinero de la empresa.

She gambles/takes risks with the company's money.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is using the noun 'apuestas' when you actually mean the action of betting. Remember that 'apuestas' refers to the bets themselves, while 'juega' describes the act of placing a bet.

Related Translations

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