Inklingo

How to Say "to choose" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to choose” is “escoger” — use 'escoger' for the general act of making a selection from a group of options, often implying a personal choice.

English → Spanish

escoger

es-koh-HEHRes.koˈxeɾ

verbA1general
Use 'escoger' for the general act of making a selection from a group of options, often implying a personal choice.
A simple illustration showing a hand selecting a single red apple from a group of three colorful apples (red, green, and yellow) resting on a wooden table.

Examples

Tienes que escoger un regalo para tu madre.

You have to choose a gift for your mother.

Yo siempre escojo el camino más fácil.

I always choose the easiest path.

¿Qué carrera universitaria escogiste?

What university major did you choose?

The 'Yo' Form Exception

In the present tense, when you say 'I choose,' the 'g' changes to a 'j': 'Yo escojo.' This spelling change keeps the sound strong and consistent.

Subjunctive Alert

Because the 'yo' form is 'escojo,' all forms of the present subjunctive use the 'j' (e.g., 'que tú escojas').

Forgetting the 'J'

Mistake: “Yo escoGo.”

Correction: Yo escoJo. Remember that 'G' sound before an 'O' or 'A' changes to 'J' in many verbs ending in -ger or -gir.

elegir

eh-leh-HEERe.leˈxiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'elegir' when the selection involves more deliberate consideration or when choosing between distinct alternatives.
A small hand reaching out to select one brightly colored red apple from a basket containing two other different fruits, illustrating selection.

Examples

¿Qué postre vas a elegir?

Which dessert are you going to choose?

Ella siempre elige el camino más difícil.

She always chooses the most difficult path.

Elegimos este color para la sala.

We selected this color for the living room.

The 'Yo' Form Exception

In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes its spelling from 'elegir' to 'elijo'. The 'g' turns into a 'j' to keep the sound consistent across all verb forms.

Vowel Change (e → i)

This verb is a 'boot verb' that shortens the vowel 'e' to 'i' in many forms, including the gerund ('eligiendo') and the preterite 3rd person ('él/ella eligió').

Missing the 'J' change

Mistake: “Yo elego (like a regular verb).”

Correction: Say 'Yo elijo'. Remember, the 'g' needs to change to a 'j' when it comes before an 'o' or an 'a' sound.

seleccionar

seh-lehk-syoh-NAHRseleksjoˈnaɾ

verbA2formal/technical
Use 'seleccionar' in more formal or technical contexts, like picking an option from a list or menu.
A hand picking a single bright red apple from a basket of green apples.

Examples

Tienes que seleccionar una opción en la pantalla.

You have to select an option on the screen.

El profesor va a seleccionar a cinco estudiantes para el viaje.

The teacher is going to pick out five students for the trip.

Hemos seleccionado los mejores ingredientes para esta receta.

We have selected the best ingredients for this recipe.

A Regular Pattern

This verb is completely regular. This means it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-ar' without any surprising spelling changes.

Digital Contexts

In technology, use this verb when you are highlighting text or clicking a checkbox. It's the standard term used in Spanish software menus.

Selecting vs. Picking

Mistake: “Using 'seleccionar' for simple choices like 'I select the red shirt.'”

Correction: Use 'elegir' or 'escoger' for casual daily choices. 'Seleccionar' is better for more formal or systematic choosing.

quedarme

keh-DAR-mehkeˈðaɾme

verbA2informal
Use 'quedarme con' specifically when you are deciding to keep one item out of several possibilities.
A hand firmly holding a small, shiny, colorful seashell found on the ground, symbolizing keeping possession of an item.

Examples

Después de ver las opciones, voy a quedarme con la camisa azul.

After seeing the options, I am going to keep the blue shirt.

Si encuentro dinero, no puedo quedármelo, tengo que devolverlo.

If I find money, I cannot keep it, I have to return it.

Keeping requires 'con'

When 'quedarme' means 'to keep' or 'to take possession of something,' it usually needs the preposition 'con' right after it, meaning 'quedarme con algo' (to keep something).

Omitting 'con'

Mistake: “Quiero quedarme la bicicleta.”

Correction: Quiero quedarme con la bicicleta. (Using 'con' clarifies that you are taking possession, rather than just staying next to the bike.)

optar

op-TARopˈtaɾ

verbB1general/formal
Use 'optar por' when making a choice, especially one that involves a decision or a course of action.
A child standing in front of two ice cream cones, one strawberry and one chocolate, pointing at the chocolate one.

Examples

Ante la duda, opté por decir la verdad.

Faced with doubt, I opted to tell the truth.

Muchos estudiantes optan por estudiar en el extranjero.

Many students choose to study abroad.

Si no quieres carne, puedes optar por el menú vegetariano.

If you don't want meat, you can opt for the vegetarian menu.

The 'por' Connection

When you are choosing a specific thing, you almost always need to put the word 'por' right after 'optar'. It functions just like 'for' in the English 'opt for'.

Using Actions After 'Optar'

If you want to say you chose 'to do' something, follow 'optar por' with the base form (infinitive) of the next verb, like 'optar por salir'.

Leaving out 'por'

Mistake: “Opto el café solo.”

Correction: Opto por el café solo. You need 'por' to connect the verb to the thing you are choosing.

Choosing between 'elegir' and 'escoger'

Many learners use 'elegir' and 'escoger' interchangeably, but 'escoger' is generally more common for everyday selections, while 'elegir' can imply a more considered or significant choice. When in doubt for simple selections, 'escoger' is often a safe bet.

Related Translations

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