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How to Say "bid" in Spanish

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oferta

oh-FEHR-tahoˈfeɾta

nounB1general
Use 'oferta' when referring to a job offer, a business proposal, or a price offered in a commercial transaction.
A person gently extends their hands holding a brightly colored, wrapped gift box toward another person, symbolizing a proposal or suggestion.

Examples

Recibió una oferta de trabajo muy buena en la capital.

She received a very good job offer in the capital.

Nuestra oferta de paz fue rechazada por el otro equipo.

Our offer of peace was rejected by the other team.

Hicimos una oferta por la casa, pero no la aceptaron.

We made an offer on the house, but they didn't accept it.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'oferta' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La oferta fue excelente'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Me di una oferta.”

Correction: Me hicieron una oferta. (We use the verb 'hacer' (to make) or 'recibir' (to receive) with 'oferta'.)

puja

poo-hahˈpuxa

nounB1auction
Use 'puja' specifically when you are making a bid in an auction, indicating the price you are willing to pay.
A wooden gavel resting on a circular base on a table.

Examples

He hecho una puja de cincuenta euros por el cuadro.

I have made a fifty-euro bid for the painting.

La puja ganadora fue anunciada al final de la subasta.

The winning bid was announced at the end of the auction.

Hubo una fuerte puja entre los dos coleccionistas.

There was a strong bidding war between the two collectors.

Gender of Puja

Puja is a feminine noun, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Puja vs. Subasta

A 'subasta' is the whole auction event, while a 'puja' is the specific amount of money you offer.

The 'Push' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'puja' to mean a physical push on a door.”

Correction: Use 'empujón' for a physical push. 'Puja' is mostly for bids or internal physical effort (like in labor).

candidatura

kan-dee-dah-TOO-rahkandiðaˈtuɾa

nounB2formal
Use 'candidatura' for a formal bid or application to host an event or to run for a political office.
A person standing confidently behind a podium with a spotlight on them, representing the state of being a candidate.

Examples

El político anunció su candidatura para la presidencia.

The politician announced his candidacy for the presidency.

La ciudad de Madrid presentó su candidatura para los Juegos Olímpicos.

The city of Madrid submitted its bid for the Olympic Games.

Mi candidatura fue aceptada por el comité de selección.

My application was accepted by the selection committee.

It's always feminine

Even if the person running for office is a man, the word 'candidatura' stays feminine. You always say 'la candidatura'.

Using it with 'para'

When you want to say what the candidacy is for, use the word 'para' (for), as in 'candidatura para alcalde' (candidacy for mayor).

Confusing the person with the process

Mistake: “Él es una candidatura fuerte.”

Correction: Él es un candidato fuerte. (Use 'candidato' for the person and 'candidatura' for the position or status they hold.)

postura

pos-TOO-rahposˈtuɾa

nounC1auction, formal
Use 'postura' to refer to the specific price offered, especially in auctions, highlighting the bid itself as a stance or position.
A person holding up a small wooden paddle at an auction.

Examples

El coleccionista hizo la postura más alta en la subasta.

The collector made the highest bid at the auction.

La empresa presentó su postura para el proyecto de construcción.

The company submitted its bid for the construction project.

Specialized usage

This meaning is mostly found in legal or formal business documents regarding auctions.

Auction Bids vs. Job Offers

Learners often confuse 'puja' and 'oferta'. Remember that 'puja' is exclusively for auctions, while 'oferta' is broader, commonly used for job offers or business proposals.

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