Inklingo

How to Say "choices" in Spanish

English → Spanish

opciones

op-SYOH-nes (or op-THYOH-nes in Spain)/opˈsjones/

NounA1general
Use 'opciones' when referring to the range of possibilities or alternatives available to choose from, often before a decision has been made.
Three distinct, equally appealing objects—a bright red apple, a shiny blue star, and a yellow toy car—sitting side-by-side on a plain wooden table, representing available choices.

Examples

¿Cuáles son nuestras opciones para la cena?

What are our options for dinner?

Tenemos varias opciones de pago.

We have several payment options.

Siempre es bueno tener opciones.

It is always good to have choices.

Feminine Plural

Since 'opción' is feminine, its plural form 'opciones' must always be used with feminine words like 'las' (the) or 'otras' (other): 'las opciones'.

Singular vs. Plural

'Opciones' is the plural form. If you are talking about only one choice, use the singular form: 'una opción' (one option).

Mixing up Gender

Mistake: “Los opciones”

Correction: Las opciones. Remember that most Spanish nouns that end in '-ción' are feminine.

decisiones

deh-see-SYOH-ness/de.siˈsjo.nes/

NounA2general
Use 'decisiones' when the focus is on the act of making a choice or the specific outcomes that result from making a selection.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a small, stylized fox standing at a fork in a road, looking down one path and pointing. This symbolizes making a choice or decision.

Examples

Necesitamos tomar decisiones rápidas.

We need to make quick decisions.

Las decisiones importantes se discuten en grupo.

Important decisions are discussed in a group.

Sus decisiones de inversión han sido muy acertadas.

His investment decisions have been very successful.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular form ('decisión') is feminine, the plural 'decisiones' is also feminine. This means you must use feminine words before it, like 'las' (the) or 'esas' (those).

Plural Ending

Words that end in '-ión' in Spanish form their plural by adding '-es' and keeping the accent on the 'o' (e.g., canción -> canciones, decisión -> decisiones).

Using the Wrong Verb

Mistake: “Hacer decisiones (To do decisions)”

Correction: Tomar decisiones (To take/make decisions). The verb 'tomar' is the standard verb used for 'making' choices in Spanish.

elecciones

eh-lek-SYOH-ness/e.lekˈsjo.nes/

NounB1general
Use 'elecciones' to refer to the options that have been selected or the consequences of those selected choices, often in a more formal or significant context.
A cartoon hand selecting a single red apple from a group of three different colored fruits.

Examples

Debes vivir con las consecuencias de tus elecciones.

You must live with the consequences of your choices.

Sus elecciones de ropa siempre son muy elegantes.

Her clothing choices are always very elegant.

Options vs. Decisions

Learners often confuse 'opciones' and 'decisiones'. Remember that 'opciones' refers to the possibilities *before* you choose, while 'decisiones' refers to the act of choosing or the choices that have been made.

Related Translations

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