Inklingo

How to Say "to bet" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apostar

ah-pohs-TAHR/a.posˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'apostar' when you are specifically placing a wager on the outcome of an event.
Two cartoon hands exchanging a stack of colorful betting chips over a green felt table, illustrating the act of placing a wager.

Examples

Apuesto diez euros a que mañana llueve.

I bet ten euros that it will rain tomorrow.

¿Cuánto quieres apostar en el partido de fútbol?

How much do you want to bet on the soccer game?

No apuestes todo tu dinero, es muy arriesgado.

Don't bet all your money, it's very risky.

Irregular Present Tense

In the present tense, the 'o' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ue' (apostar -> apuesto). This happens for almost all forms except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

Preposition 'A' or 'POR'

When betting on something specific (like a team or result), you usually use the preposition 'a': 'Apuesto a la victoria' (I bet on the victory).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo aposto (Incorrect)”

Correction: Yo apuesto (Correct). Remember the 'o' becomes 'ue' when stressed.

jugar

/hoo-gar//xuˈɣaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'jugar' when referring to the act of gambling or playing games of chance, especially with money involved, like lotteries or card games.
A human hand pushing a tall stack of shiny gold coins onto a green felt table, symbolizing the act of betting or gambling.

Examples

Mi abuelo juega a la lotería todas las semanas.

My grandfather plays the lottery every week.

No me gusta jugar dinero en las máquinas tragamonedas.

I don't like to bet money on the slot machines.

Se jugó todos sus ahorros en una mala inversión.

He gambled away all his savings on a bad investment.

Apostar vs. Jugar

Learners often confuse 'apostar' and 'jugar'. Remember that 'apostar' is for a specific bet on an outcome, while 'jugar' is more general for playing games of chance or gambling. You wouldn't 'apostar' the lottery; you would 'jugar' it.

Related Translations

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