Spanish word

alternativa

Pronunciation

IPA/alteɾnaˈtiβa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounoption

Example

¿Qué alternativa tenemos si no podemos tomar el tren?

What option do we have if we can't take the train?

Illustration for alternativa (option)

More examples

Si no podemos usar la línea habitual, podríamos proponer una alternativa.

If we can't use the usual line, we could suggest an alternative.

Core concept

A different plan offered as a replacement.

Common phrases

  • proponer una alternativa

    suggest an alternative

  • optar por una alternativa

    choose an alternative

  • plantear una alternativa

    put forward an alternative

Similar words

opción: One concrete option among several that can be chosen in a situation.
elección: Process or moment of making a definitive selection between options.
posibilidad: Potential or feasible circumstance indicating something could happen.
solución: Answer or technique used to eliminate or remedy a problem.

Definition in Spanish

Una opción o recurso que sirve como reemplazo o como otra posibilidad frente a una situación dada.

Word origin

Derived from Latin alternare 'to take turns' plus the Romance noun suffix -iva, originally referring to something used in alternation and now meaning an alternative choice.

Usage tips

  • Alternativa commonly collocates with verbs like ofrecer, buscar, or aceptar and usually takes a after it (alternativa a X), while opción is more frequent in casual speech.

Related words

  • alternativamentealternativelyadverb

Word lists with this word