escoger
/eskoˈxeɾ/
To pick in Spanish is escoger. Wiktionary also lists escogitar.
Meaning: to decide upon, from a set of options, to select (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escoger | /eskoˈxeɾ/ | |
| escogitar | /eskoxitaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America |
The verb escoger is used when you are deciding upon or selecting something from a set of available options.
Which one should you use?
While escoger and elegir are often interchangeable, elegir is frequently used in more formal contexts or when referring to electing a person for a position.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form escogitar is used in Latin America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
escoger is a stem-changing verb where the 'o' changes to 'ue' in many present tense forms, such as escojo (I pick).
How do you pronounce it?
/eskoˈxeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the noun pico (pickaxe) as a verb. While it refers to a tool, it cannot be used to mean the action of selecting.
Did you know?
- While escoger is used for selecting an item, the verb coger in many Spanish-speaking countries has a very different, often vulgar, sexual connotation. Using escoger avoids this unintended meaning.
- The verb escoger is a relative of the English word 'collect'. Both come from the Latin 'colligere' meaning 'to gather'.
- In some Spanish dialects, escoger can be used interchangeably with separar when picking out a specific item from a pile of mixed things.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál de ellos vas a escoger?Which one are you going to pick?This sentence is useful for asking someone which one they are going to pick using escoger.Tatoeba #9002358 by arh, translation #9188977 by DJ_Saidez
- Aún no sé cuál debería escoger.I still don't know which one I should pick.This sentence is useful for saying you do not know which one you should pick using escoger.Tatoeba #10106245 by manufrutos, translation #10098460 by CK
- Si pudieras vivir en una estrella, ¿cuál escogerías?If you could live in a star, which one would you pick?This sentence is useful for asking which one someone would pick using escoger.Tatoeba #9770436 by arh, translation #5825300 by Hybrid
- Por favor, escoge a un candidato para el puesto.Please pick a candidate for the position.
- Escogeremos una fecha adecuada para la reunión.We will pick a suitable date for the meeting.
- Elijo siempre la misma comida en este restaurante.I always pick the same food at this restaurant.
- ¿Qué película eliges para ver esta noche?Which movie do you pick to watch tonight?
- ¿Me ayudas a escoger una camiseta para el partido?Can you help me pick a shirt for the game?
- Voy a escoger un regalo para mi hermana.I'm going to pick a gift for my sister.
- Vamos a seleccionar al mejor candidato para el puesto.We are going to pick the best candidate for the position.
- Elige y selecciona tu música favorita.Pick and choose your favorite music.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Qué vas a escoger para cenar, Sofía?What are you going to pick for dinner, Sofía?
- SofíaNo sé, me cuesta escoger un plato.I don't know, I'm having a hard time picking a dish.
- AlejandroYo voy a escoger la pasta.I am going to pick the pasta.
- SofíaEntonces yo escogeré la ensalada.Then I will pick the salad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pick” 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.
