escoger
/eskoˈxeɾ/
To choose in Spanish is escoger. Wiktionary also lists escogitar.
Meaning: to pick (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escoger | /eskoˈxeɾ/ | |
| escogitar | /eskoxitaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America |
The verb means to pick.
Which one should you use?
While escoger and elegir are often interchangeable, elegir is more frequently used when referring to electing someone to a position or making a more formal selection.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form escogitar is used in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of escoger is escogido.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskoˈxeɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb escoger is related to coger, which means 'to take' or 'to grab'. In many Latin American countries, however, coger is a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse, making its linguistic link to 'choosing' a sensitive topic.
- The word escoger is frequently paired with entre to express choosing 'between' items. In some contexts, Spanish speakers prefer the phrase quedarse con (to stay with) to describe the final act of choosing a specific item.
- The verb escoger shares an etymological root with the English word 'collect', as both stem from the Latin 'colligere', meaning 'to gather together'.
Examples in context
- Tuve que escoger entre los dos.I had to choose between the two.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use escoger when choosing between two options.Tatoeba #1425774 by marcelostockle, translation #280824 by CK
- ¡Debes escoger una contraseña segura!You should choose a strong password!This sentence shows how to use escoger in the context of selecting a password.Tatoeba #1198490 by cueyayotl, translation #1198454 by Eldad
- Puedes escoger cualquier libro que te guste.You may choose any book you like.This sentence demonstrates the use of escoger when picking a book.Tatoeba #4674382 by cueyayotl, translation #70676 by CK
- Para elegir su asiento, por favor seleccione una de las opciones disponibles.To choose your seat, please select one of the available options.
- Le recomendamos que opte por la opción más conveniente.We recommend that you choose the most convenient option.
- El cliente debe decidir qué producto es el más adecuado para sus necesidades.The customer must choose which product is most suitable for their needs.
- ¿Cuál prefieres escoger para la cena de esta noche?Which one do you prefer to choose for tonight's dinner?
- Debería optar por el plato del día.You should choose the daily special.
- Opté por la opción más económica.I chose the most economical option.
- Ve y agarra el color que más te gusta.Go and choose/grab the color you like the most.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are shopping for a new coffee machine.
- DanielMaría, ¿cuál quieres escoger tú?María, which one do you want to pick?
- MaríaPrefiero escoger la cafetera de plata.I prefer to pick the silver coffee maker.
- DanielEs una buena elección para ti.It is a good choice for you.
- MaríaSí, es la mejor de todas.Yes, it is the best of them all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “choose” translations and entries escoger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escoger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
