Inklingo

How to Say "choice" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “choice” is “opción” — use 'opción' when referring to a specific selection or possibility available from a set of alternatives, often implying one among many..

opciónA1

Use 'opción' when referring to a specific selection or possibility available from a set of alternatives, often implying one among many.

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elecciónA2

Use 'elección' to describe the act of choosing or the result of choosing between different things, often a more deliberate selection.

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decisiónA2

Use 'decisión' when referring to the act of making up your mind or the outcome of that mental process, focusing on resolving uncertainty.

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selecciónA2

Use 'selección' when the focus is on the item or group of items that have been chosen from a larger set, especially in a formal or competitive context.

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discreciónB2

Use 'discreción' when referring to the freedom or authority to decide what should be done, emphasizing personal judgment.

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remedioB2

Use 'remedio' in the negative phrase 'no hay más remedio' to express that there is no alternative or choice but to do something.

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English → Spanish

opción

nounA1general
Use 'opción' when referring to a specific selection or possibility available from a set of alternatives, often implying one among many.

Examples

Solo tenemos una opción: empezar de nuevo.

We only have one option: start over.

elección

nounA2general
Use 'elección' to describe the act of choosing or the result of choosing between different things, often a more deliberate selection.

Examples

Tienes que hacer una elección antes de las tres.

You have to make a choice before three o'clock.

decisión

nounA2general
Use 'decisión' when referring to the act of making up your mind or the outcome of that mental process, focusing on resolving uncertainty.

Examples

Fue una decisión difícil, pero creo que es la correcta.

It was a difficult decision, but I think it's the right one.

selección

nounA2general
Use 'selección' when the focus is on the item or group of items that have been chosen from a larger set, especially in a formal or competitive context.

Examples

La selección del nuevo director fue un proceso largo.

The selection of the new director was a long process.

discreción

nounB2formal
Use 'discreción' when referring to the freedom or authority to decide what should be done, emphasizing personal judgment.

Examples

La decisión final queda a su discreción.

The final decision is at your discretion.

remedio

nounB2general
Use 'remedio' in the negative phrase 'no hay más remedio' to express that there is no alternative or choice but to do something.

Examples

No hay más remedio que esperar aquí hasta que abra el banco.

There is no choice but to wait here until the bank opens.

Opción vs. Elección vs. Decisión

Learners often confuse 'opción', 'elección', and 'decisión'. 'Opción' is a specific possibility, 'elección' is the act or result of choosing from possibilities, and 'decisión' is the act of resolving or making up one's mind. Think of 'opción' as a menu item, 'elección' as picking one from the menu, and 'decisión' as deciding to eat.

Related Translations

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