elijo
/elixo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I choose" is expressed as elijo.
The phrase is used to indicate the act of selecting one option from a group.
Which one should you use?
While elijo is the most common way to say "I choose", the synonymous verb escojo is also frequently used to mean "I pick" or "I select".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Yo escojo can be used interchangeably with Yo elijo to mean "I choose".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are choosing a specific person or a pet, you must use the personal "a" after the verb, such as in Elijo a mi hermano.
How do you pronounce it?
/elixo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase elijo is rarely used when ordering food at a restaurant. Instead, people use quiero 'I want' or me pido 'I order for myself'.
- The verb elegir shares a root with the English word 'elect'. Both originate from the Latin 'eligere', which literally means 'to pick out' or 'to select'.
- If you are choosing between two things, Spanish speakers often use the phrase estoy entre which literally means 'I am between'.
Examples in context
- Elijo ser feliz.I choose to be happy.This sentence shows the use of elijo to express a life choice.Tatoeba #2154920 by hayastan, translation #2044464 by CK
- Elijo a mis amigos por su belleza física, a mis conocidos por su personalidad y a mis enemigos por su inteligencia. Un hombre nunca es demasiado cuidadoso a la hora de escoger a sus enemigos.I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.This sentence demonstrates using elijo when selecting different groups of people.Tatoeba #4090305 by Asynja, translation #1788287 by inastar
- Yo elijo la opción más conveniente.I choose the most convenient option.
- Yo opto por el plan de ahorro.I choose the savings plan.
- Me decanto por los productos de calidad.I choose quality products.
- Yo elijo ir al cine.I choose to go to the movies.
- Me quedo con el sabor de chocolate.I choose the chocolate flavor.
- Yo elijo a María por su experiencia y habilidades.I choose María for her experience and skills.
- Yo elijo la comedia.I choose the comedy.
- Elijo la opción más barata.I choose the cheapest option.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a menu at a restaurant.
- DanielMira, hay muchas opciones deliciosas aquí.Look, there are many delicious options here.
- MaríaEs verdad, pero yo elijo la pasta.That's true, but I choose the pasta.
- DanielBuena elección, María.Good choice, María.
- María¿Y tú qué vas a pedir, Daniel?And what are you going to order, Daniel?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
