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B1 verb 12 دقيقة للقراءة

apelar

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح apelar في 30 ثانية

الشرح apelar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'apelar' very often, but it's good to recognize it. Think of it as a very formal way of saying 'to ask for help' or 'to call upon something.' In English, 'appeal' sounds like a big word, and in Spanish, it is too. At this stage, you would usually say 'pedir ayuda' (to ask for help) or 'llamar' (to call). However, you might see 'apelar' in simple news headlines about sports or famous people going to court. Remember: it does NOT mean 'to like' something, even though it looks like the English 'appealing.' If you want to say you like a pizza, don't use 'apelar'!

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

By A2, you are starting to see more formal language in newspapers and on TV. You might encounter 'apelar' when reading about a soccer team that received a red card and wants to change the decision. You can start using 'apelar a' in very simple ways, like 'apelar a la bondad' (appeal to kindness). The most important thing for an A2 student is to learn that 'apelar' usually needs the little word 'a' after it when you are talking about feelings or ideas. It's a 'grown-up' word that makes your Spanish sound more serious and respectful when you are trying to convince someone of something.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At B1, 'apelar' becomes a very useful tool for your vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss opinions and explain your plans. 'Apelar' allows you to talk about justice and persuasion. You should know that it is used in legal contexts (apelar una sentencia) and in rhetorical contexts (apelar a la razón). You should also be careful with the preposition 'ante' (apelar ante un juez). At this level, you can distinguish between 'apelar' and 'recurrir'. You'll use 'apelar' when you want to sound more precise about formal challenges. It's a great word to use in a formal email to a professor or a landlord if you disagree with a decision they've made.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'apelar' in various registers. You understand that in marketing, brands 'apelan a las emociones' to sell products. You can use it in debates to say 'Apelo a su sentido de la responsabilidad' (I appeal to your sense of responsibility). You should also know the noun 'apelación' and the adjective 'apelable' (appealable). You are aware of the legal nuances—that 'apelar' is a specific step in a judicial process. You can use the word to describe complex social phenomena, like how a political campaign 'apela a los miedos de la población.' Your usage should be grammatically perfect, especially with prepositions.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For C1 learners, 'apelar' is a word of precision. You use it to navigate the subtle differences between 'invocar', 'recurrir', and 'reclamar'. You can write formal legal or academic texts using 'apelar' correctly within complex sentence structures. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you use it metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism. You might use it in phrases like 'apelar a la memoria colectiva' (appeal to collective memory) or 'una decisión inapelable' (an unappealable decision). You are also familiar with its use in different Spanish-speaking regions and how the legal terminology might vary slightly.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'apelar'. You can use it in the most formal legal contexts, understanding the difference between an 'apelación' and a 'casación'. You can use the verb with absolute stylistic control in any context, from a philosophical treatise to a high-stakes corporate negotiation. You recognize the word's presence in classical literature and can use it to create specific rhetorical effects. You understand that 'apelar' can also have a nuance of 'to name' in very archaic or poetic contexts, though this is rare. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including all its derived forms and idiomatic uses.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

apelar في 30 ثانية

Apelar is primarily a legal verb meaning to challenge a court's decision by taking it to a higher authority for review.
It is frequently used figuratively as 'apelar a' to mean calling upon a quality, such as logic, memory, or kindness.
The verb is a regular -ar verb and is considered formal, suitable for legal, academic, and professional contexts.
Common mistakes include using it to mean 'to like' (a false friend with English) or omitting the 'a' in figurative sentences.

The Spanish verb apelar is a sophisticated and multi-faceted term that primarily resides in the realms of law, formal rhetoric, and strategic communication. At its core, to apelar is to seek a recourse or to call upon a higher authority, principle, or emotion to change a situation or validate a stance. While English speakers will immediately recognize its cognate 'to appeal,' the Spanish usage carries specific grammatical nuances and cultural weights that are essential for a B1 learner to master. In a strictly legal sense, it refers to the formal process of asking a higher court to review and potentially overturn the decision of a lower court. Beyond the courtroom, it is frequently used in daily life when someone 'appeals' to common sense, logic, or the kindness of others.

Legal Recourse: In the judicial system, 'apelar' is the action taken by a lawyer when a sentence is deemed unfair. It is a fundamental right in most democratic legal frameworks, allowing for the 'doble instancia' (double instance) where a second look is guaranteed.
Figurative Invocation: When we say 'apelar a la sensatez' (to appeal to common sense), we are not going to court; rather, we are summoning a shared human value to persuade someone to change their behavior or mind.
Resource Dependency: In technical or survival contexts, 'apelar a' can mean to resort to a last-ditch effort or an alternative method when the primary one fails, such as 'apelar a medidas de emergencia'.

El abogado defensor confirmó que van a apelar la sentencia ante el Tribunal Supremo la próxima semana.

Understanding the context is vital. If you are watching the news in Spain or Mexico, you will hear this word during high-profile criminal trials. If you are reading an editorial in a newspaper, you might see the author apelando to the patriotism or the conscience of the readers. It is a word that suggests a certain level of education and formality; you wouldn't typically use it when asking your friend for a taco, but you would use it when discussing a dispute with a landlord or a formal grade review at a university.

No nos queda más remedio que apelar a la generosidad de los donantes para salvar el refugio.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin 'appellare', which meant to address, to name, or to call upon. This 'calling upon' is the thread that connects all modern meanings. Whether you are calling upon a judge to fix a mistake or calling upon a friend's loyalty, you are engaging in the act of apelación. In sports, particularly football (soccer), players often 'apelan' to the referee, signaling for a foul or a penalty, although the technical term for the official protest is often 'reclamar', 'apelar' is used in the media to describe the team's subsequent formal challenge to a red card.

El equipo decidió apelar la sanción impuesta a su capitán tras el último partido.

Emotional Resonance: Marketing experts often 'apelan a las emociones' (appeal to emotions) to sell products, creating a connection between a brand and a feeling of nostalgia or happiness.

Para convencer al público, el político tuvo que apelar a los valores tradicionales de la familia.

Using apelar correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and its typical prepositional companions. In its most common legal form, it can be used transitively (apelar una sentencia) or intransitively (apelar ante el tribunal). When used figuratively, it almost exclusively takes the preposition 'a'. Let's break down these patterns to ensure you sound natural and precise.

Direct Object Usage (Legal): When you are challenging a specific decision, document, or verdict, 'apelar' acts directly on that object. Example: 'Vamos a apelar el fallo del juez'. Here, the 'fallo' (ruling) is what is being appealed.
The 'Apelar a' Construction (Figurative): This is the most frequent usage for B1 learners. It means to call upon a quality or a person. 'Apelo a tu paciencia' (I appeal to your patience). It's a way of saying 'I'm asking you to use your patience'.

Si no estás de acuerdo con la nota del examen, puedes apelar la calificación ante la dirección académica.

In the sentence above, 'apelar' is used in an academic context, which is very common for students. It implies a formal process. Notice the use of 'ante' (before/to) to indicate the authority being addressed. This is a key prepositional pair: apelar [algo] ante [alguien].

El orador intentó apelar a la lógica, pero la multitud estaba demasiado emocionada.

In this rhetorical example, the speaker is trying to use logic as a tool. The verb 'apelar' here functions as a bridge between the speaker's intent and the audience's faculty of reason. It is a very common structure in essays and formal debates.

Es inútil apelar a su clemencia; es un hombre de corazón de piedra.

Another nuance involves the use of 'apelar' as 'to resort to'. If you run out of options, you might 'apelar a medidas extremas' (resort to extreme measures). This usage is slightly more dramatic and is found in literature or news reporting on crises.

Prepositional Nuance: 'Ante' vs 'A': Use 'ante' for the authority (court, director, board). Use 'a' for the principle, emotion, or quality (reason, heart, memory).

Tuvimos que apelar a nuestros ahorros para pagar la reparación del coche.

While 'apelar' might seem like a word reserved for dusty law books, it is surprisingly common in various modern contexts. You will encounter it in the media, in corporate environments, and even in casual conversations about fairness and rules. Knowing where to expect it will help you recognize it in the wild.

1. The News and Courtroom Dramas: Every time a major court case concludes, the next question is always: '¿Va a apelar la defensa?' (Is the defense going to appeal?). This is standard vocabulary for journalists reporting on legal affairs across the Spanish-speaking world.
2. Political Rhetoric: Politicians love to 'apelar al voto joven' (appeal to the young vote) or 'apelar a la unidad nacional' (appeal to national unity). It's a key verb for describing how leaders try to connect with their constituents.
3. Sports Commentary: In sports like soccer, tennis, or Formula 1, teams frequently 'apelan una sanción' (appeal a sanction). If a player is banned for three games, the club's lawyers will 'apelar' to reduce the punishment.

En su discurso, el presidente decidió apelar a la responsabilidad individual para frenar la pandemia.

In the corporate world, 'apelar' is used during performance reviews or when challenging a company policy. If an employee feels a disciplinary action was unjustified, they might have the right to 'apelar la decisión' to the HR department. It signifies a formal, structured disagreement rather than just a complaint.

Muchos anuncios de televisión apelan a la nostalgia para que compremos productos de nuestra infancia.

Advertising is another major domain. Marketers don't just 'show' products; they 'apelan a los deseos del consumidor' (appeal to the consumer's desires). This usage highlights the persuasive nature of the word. It's about finding the 'hook' that will move someone to action.

El tenista decidió apelar al 'ojo de halcón' para revisar si la pelota había entrado.

Finally, in literature and high-level debate, 'apelar' is used to describe the act of referencing a higher truth. An author might 'apelar a la historia' to justify a current event. It adds a layer of intellectual authority to the discourse. When you hear 'apelar', think of someone reaching out—either to a judge, a memory, or a shared value—to find support for their cause.

4. Social Media and Public Opinion: Influencers often 'apelan a su comunidad' (appeal to their community) for support or to raise awareness for a cause. It's a call to action that relies on the bond between the creator and the audience.

Even though 'apelar' has a direct English cognate, learners often trip up on its prepositional usage and its distinction from similar verbs. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more sophisticated and accurate.

Mistake 1: Omitting the 'a' in Figurative Sense: English speakers often say 'I appeal your logic' (incorrect in Spanish). You must say 'Apelo a tu lógica'. Without the 'a', the sentence sounds like you are trying to take your logic to a higher court to have it overturned!
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Apelar' with 'Llamar': While 'apelar' comes from a root meaning 'to call', it is never used to mean 'to call someone on the phone' or 'to call someone by their name'. For that, use 'llamar'. 'Apelar' is always about calling upon a principle or a legal review.
Mistake 3: Overusing 'Apelar' for Administrative Tasks: While 'apelar' is correct for court cases, for smaller things like a parking ticket or a bill error, the more natural verb in many regions is 'recurrir' or 'reclamar'. 'Apelar' can sound a bit too 'Grand Supreme Court' for a 20-euro fine.

Incorrect: Apelo la decisión de mi madre.
Correct: Apelo a la decisión (if you mean you are calling upon it) or better: Cuestiono la decisión.

Another subtle error is the confusion between 'apelar' and 'atraer'. In English, we say something 'appeals to me' meaning 'I like it' or 'it’s attractive'. In Spanish, you cannot use 'apelar' this way. If a painting is beautiful, it doesn't 'apelar a ti'; it 'te atrae' or 'te gusta'. 'Apelar' is an active choice you make, not a feeling of attraction.

Incorrect: La idea me apela mucho.
Correct: La idea me atrae mucho or La idea me convence.

Finally, pay attention to the subject of the sentence. In 'apelar a la razón', the subject is the person doing the appealing. In the English 'this appeals to my reason', the subject is the thing being reasoned. This reversal of roles is a classic source of errors for English speakers. In Spanish, you are the one who 'apelas a la razón de alguien' to convince them.

Summary of Key Mistakes: 1. Using it to mean 'to like' (False Friend). 2. Forgetting the 'a' for figurative use. 3. Using it for casual phone calls. 4. Misplacing the 'ante' in legal contexts.

To truly master 'apelar', you must know its neighbors. Spanish has several words that overlap with its meaning, and choosing the right one will help you express yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

Recurrir: This is the closest synonym. In legal contexts, 'recurrir una sentencia' and 'apelar una sentencia' are often interchangeable, though 'recurrir' is broader and can apply to any administrative process. Figuratively, 'recurrir a algo' means to turn to something out of necessity, much like 'apelar a'.
Invocar: Use 'invocar' when you are calling upon a law, a spirit, or a memory in a more solemn or formal way. 'Invocó el artículo 155'. While 'apelar' is a request for review, 'invocar' is the act of citing a specific authority to support your case.
Clamar: This is a more emotional and desperate version. 'Clamar por justicia' (to cry out for justice). While 'apelar' is a structured legal action, 'clamar' is an emotional outcry.

En lugar de apelar a la violencia, debemos recurrir al diálogo para resolver nuestras diferencias.

The comparison between apelar and recurrir is particularly useful. In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'apelar' is specifically the verb for a 'recurso de apelación' (a specific type of legal appeal), while 'recurrir' is the general action of challenging any official decision. If you are unsure, 'recurrir' is often a safer, broader bet in administrative settings.

El director decidió invocar una vieja regla de la empresa para despedir al empleado sin previo aviso.

Another word to consider is solicitar. If you are simply asking for something, use 'solicitar'. 'Apelar' implies that there was a previous decision you want changed. You 'solicitar' a permit, but you 'apelar' if that permit is denied.

Comparison Table

Apelar: Formal challenge to a decision or calling on a principle.
Recurrir: General term for turning to a resource or challenging a rule.
Invocar: Citing a specific law or authority.
Reclamar: To complain or demand something that is yours.

No puedes apelar a un derecho que no existe en la constitución.

In summary, choose 'apelar' when the situation involves a formal structure (law, rules, grades) or when you are making a rhetorical 'call' to a higher value. Use its synonyms when the context is more about necessity (recurrir), authority (invocar), or emotion (clamar).

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'appellation' in English (meaning a name or title) comes from the same root. In Spanish, 'apelativo' is still used to refer to a nickname or a descriptive name.

دليل النطق

UK /a.peˈlaɾ/

US /a.peˈlaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: a-pe-LAR.

يتقافى مع

hablar cantar estudiar llegar lugar mar azar altar

أخطاء شائعة

Aspirating the 'p' (making a puff of air).
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (curling the tongue back).
Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
Making the 'e' sound like a diphthong (ey).
Pronouncing the 'l' as a dark 'l' (back of the throat).

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate, but requires context to understand the specific legal or figurative sense.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires correct prepositional use ('a' vs 'ante') and understanding of transitivity.

التحدث 3/5

Useful for formal debates, though less common in everyday casual speech.

الاستماع 3/5

Common in news and formal speeches, usually clear in pronunciation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

llamar pedir juez ley razón

تعلّم لاحقاً

recurrir impugnar sentencia fallo jurisprudencia

متقدم

casación interponer subsidiariamente agravio

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verbs with prepositions

Apelar siempre requiere 'a' cuando el objeto es un concepto abstracto (apelar a la ética).

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Es transitivo con decisiones legales (apelar la sentencia) e intransitivo con autoridades (apelar ante el juez).

Future tense for formal promises

Apelaremos ante las instancias correspondientes.

Subjunctive in conditional appeals

Si el juez no cambiara de opinión, tendríamos que apelar.

Gerunds for explaining methods

Ganó el debate apelando a la historia del país.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

El jugador quiere apelar la tarjeta.

The player wants to appeal the card.

Direct object: 'la tarjeta'.

Ellos apelan a tu ayuda.

They appeal for your help.

Uses 'apelar a'.

No podemos apelar hoy.

We cannot appeal today.

Negative construction.

Yo apelo a la paz.

I appeal for peace.

Present tense, 1st person.

Ella apela la decisión.

She appeals the decision.

3rd person singular.

¿Quieres apelar tú?

Do you want to appeal?

Question form.

Nosotros apelamos al profesor.

We appeal to the teacher.

Present tense 'nosotros'.

Apelar es un derecho.

Appealing is a right.

Infinitive as a subject.

El abogado va a apelar la sentencia mañana.

The lawyer is going to appeal the sentence tomorrow.

Future with 'ir a'.

Debemos apelar a su buen corazón.

We must appeal to his good heart.

Modal verb 'deber'.

El equipo apeló contra el resultado del partido.

The team appealed against the match result.

Preterite tense.

Si pierdes, puedes apelar la multa.

If you lose, you can appeal the fine.

Conditional 'si' clause.

Estamos apelando a la sensatez de todos.

We are appealing to everyone's common sense.

Present progressive.

Nunca han apelado una decisión antes.

They have never appealed a decision before.

Present perfect.

Es necesario apelar a la unidad.

It is necessary to appeal for unity.

Impersonal expression.

¿Por qué no apelaste a tus amigos?

Why didn't you appeal to your friends?

Preterite question.

Si el juez falla en nuestra contra, apelaremos de inmediato.

If the judge rules against us, we will appeal immediately.

Future tense.

El discurso apeló a los sentimientos más profundos del público.

The speech appealed to the audience's deepest feelings.

Preterite tense with 'a'.

No me gusta apelar a la violencia para resolver problemas.

I don't like to resort to violence to solve problems.

Infinitive after 'gustar'.

El sindicato decidió apelar a la huelga como último recurso.

The union decided to resort to a strike as a last resort.

Apelar a something as a resource.

Fue inútil apelar a su memoria; no recordaba nada.

It was useless to appeal to his memory; he remembered nothing.

Infinitive as subject of 'fue'.

Siempre puedes apelar ante la comisión de ética.

You can always appeal before the ethics commission.

Use of 'ante' for authority.

La empresa apeló la sanción impuesta por el gobierno.

The company appealed the sanction imposed by the government.

Direct object: 'la sanción'.

Al apelar a la historia, el autor justifica sus argumentos.

By appealing to history, the author justifies his arguments.

Gerund construction 'Al + infinitive'.

La defensa tiene un plazo de diez días para apelar la sentencia condenatoria.

The defense has a ten-day period to appeal the conviction.

Formal legal terminology.

La publicidad moderna suele apelar a deseos inconscientes del consumidor.

Modern advertising often appeals to the consumer's unconscious desires.

Soler + infinitive.

Es fundamental apelar a la responsabilidad social de las grandes corporaciones.

It is essential to appeal to the social responsibility of large corporations.

Complex noun phrase.

Aunque la situación es difícil, no debemos apelar al pesimismo.

Although the situation is difficult, we must not resort to pessimism.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

El político intentó apelar al patriotismo para ganar votos.

The politician tried to appeal to patriotism to win votes.

Intentar + infinitive.

Si no estás conforme, tienes derecho a apelar ante una instancia superior.

If you are not satisfied, you have the right to appeal to a higher authority.

Conditional + 'derecho a'.

Muchos filósofos apelan a la razón pura para explicar la ética.

Many philosophers appeal to pure reason to explain ethics.

Academic context.

Tuvieron que apelar a medidas de emergencia tras la inundación.

They had to resort to emergency measures after the flood.

Tener que + infinitive.

La resolución es firme y no cabe posibilidad alguna de apelar.

The resolution is final and there is no possibility whatsoever of appealing.

Negative existential 'no cabe... alguna'.

El ensayo apela a la conciencia colectiva para promover un cambio sistémico.

The essay appeals to the collective conscience to promote systemic change.

Abstract academic language.

Al apelar a la cláusula de rescisión, el jugador quedó libre de su contrato.

By invoking the termination clause, the player became free from his contract.

Legal 'cláusula de rescisión'.

Resulta estéril apelar a la piedad de quien no conoce el perdón.

It proves futile to appeal to the mercy of one who knows no forgiveness.

Literary 'resulta estéril'.

La defensa argumentó que se vulneraron derechos fundamentales, obligándoles a apelar.

The defense argued that fundamental rights were violated, forcing them to appeal.

Gerund as a resultative.

Es imperativo apelar a la sensatez en tiempos de polarización política.

It is imperative to appeal to common sense in times of political polarization.

Impersonal 'Es imperativo'.

El director apeló a su autoridad para imponer el nuevo reglamento.

The director called upon his authority to impose the new regulation.

Apelar a su autoridad.

No basta con apelar a la buena voluntad; se requieren acciones concretas.

It is not enough to appeal to goodwill; concrete actions are required.

Passive 'se requieren'.

La sentencia fue recurrida en apelación ante el Tribunal de Estrasburgo.

The sentence was appealed to the Strasbourg Court.

Passive voice with technical legal phrasing.

Su retórica apela a los instintos más primarios, soslayando cualquier análisis racional.

His rhetoric appeals to the most primal instincts, bypassing any rational analysis.

Advanced verb 'soslayando'.

El texto apela a una intertextualidad constante para dotarse de significado.

The text appeals to a constant intertextuality to provide itself with meaning.

Literary theory context.

Resulta paradójico apelar a la libertad mientras se cercenan derechos básicos.

It is paradoxical to appeal to freedom while basic rights are being curtailed.

Complex logical structure.

La fiscalía decidió no apelar, dándose por satisfecha con la pena impuesta.

The prosecution decided not to appeal, considering itself satisfied with the sentence imposed.

Pronominal 'dándose por'.

Apelar a la tradición no puede ser un óbice para el progreso social.

Appealing to tradition cannot be an obstacle to social progress.

Advanced noun 'óbice'.

El autor apela a la complicidad del lector mediante el uso de la segunda persona.

The author appeals to the reader's complicity through the use of the second person.

Stylistic analysis.

Se vio compelido a apelar a la caridad pública tras el descalabro financiero.

He felt compelled to appeal to public charity after the financial collapse.

Passive 'se vio compelido'.

تلازمات شائعة

apelar una sentencia

apelar a la razón

apelar a las emociones

apelar ante el tribunal

apelar a la sensatez

apelar a la memoria

apelar a la generosidad

derecho a apelar

apelar por escrito

apelar a la unidad

العبارات الشائعة

No cabe apelar

— Used when a decision is final and cannot be challenged further.

Esta decisión es firme; no cabe apelar.

Apelar a la conciencia

— To ask someone to think about the morality of their actions.

Apelo a tu conciencia para que digas la verdad.

Apelar al sentido común

— To ask someone to use basic logic and practical judgment.

Solo quiero apelar al sentido común de los presentes.

Apelar a la fuerza

— To resort to physical power or violence instead of dialogue.

Nunca debemos apelar a la fuerza para imponer ideas.

Apelar a la autoridad

— To use a person's status or power to justify an argument (often a logical fallacy).

No puedes simplemente apelar a la autoridad de tu padre.

Apelar a la piedad

— To ask for mercy or compassion.

El reo apeló a la piedad del jurado.

Apelar a los hechos

— To focus on objective evidence rather than opinions.

Debemos apelar a los hechos y no a los rumores.

Apelar a la tradición

— To justify something based on how it has always been done.

Muchos apelan a la tradición para oponerse al cambio.

Apelar a la justicia

— To call for fair treatment according to the law.

Los ciudadanos apelan a la justicia internacional.

Apelar a la paciencia

— To ask someone to be patient in a difficult situation.

Les pido apelar a su paciencia mientras resolvemos el error.

يُخلط عادةً مع

apelar vs atraer

English speakers use 'appeal' for 'attract'. Use 'atraer' if you mean something is pleasing.

apelar vs gustar

If you like something, use 'gustar', not 'apelar'.

apelar vs llamar

'Apelar' means calling upon a principle, while 'llamar' is for names or phones.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Apelar a la última instancia"

— To go to the highest possible authority or use the last available resource.

Tuvimos que apelar a la última instancia para salvar el negocio.

Formal

"Apelar al bolsillo"

— To mention money or financial consequences to influence someone.

El gobierno apeló al bolsillo de los ciudadanos con nuevos impuestos.

Colloquial

"Apelar a la fibra sensible"

— To try to move someone emotionally, often in a manipulative way.

El anuncio apela a la fibra sensible mostrando a niños huérfanos.

Neutral

"Apelar a las armas"

— To resort to war or violent conflict.

Tras el fracaso del diálogo, las naciones apelaron a las armas.

Formal/Historical

"Apelar a la buena fe"

— To trust that someone is acting honestly and without hidden intentions.

Apelamos a la buena fe de la empresa para cumplir el contrato.

Legal/Formal

"Apelar a la mayoría"

— To use the popularity of an idea as proof of its correctness.

No es válido apelar a la mayoría para decidir una verdad científica.

Rhetorical

"Apelar a la ignorancia"

— To argue that something is true simply because it hasn't been proven false.

Su argumento apela a la ignorancia del público sobre el tema.

Philosophical

"Apelar a la caridad"

— To ask for help based on someone's kindness or religious duty.

El mendigo apelaba a la caridad de los transeúntes.

Neutral

"Apelar a la desesperada"

— To make a final, frantic attempt when all else has failed.

Apeló a la desesperada a un viejo amigo para pedirle dinero.

Colloquial

"Apelar al pasado"

— To use historical events to justify or explain current actions.

El autor apela al pasado para criticar la sociedad actual.

Academic

سهل الخلط

apelar vs apilar

Sounds very similar.

Apilar means 'to stack' or 'to pile up' (like books). Apelar is to appeal.

Tengo que apilar las cajas, no apelar a ellas.

apelar vs aplacar

Similar spelling.

Aplacar means 'to soothe' or 'to calm down'.

Intentó aplacar su ira, no apelar a ella.

apelar vs apelar

Cognate with English 'appeal'.

In English, it means 'to be attractive'. In Spanish, it does NOT.

This movie appeals to me (Eng) -> Esta película me gusta (Esp).

apelar vs pelar

Contains the same root letters.

Pelar means 'to peel' (a fruit) or 'to cut hair'.

Voy a pelar una naranja.

apelar vs apelar

Legal vs. General use.

Legal use doesn't need 'a' for the object; general use does.

Apelar la sentencia vs. Apelar a la razón.

أنماط الجُمل

Sujeto + apela + objeto.

Él apela la multa.

Sujeto + va a + apelar + a + sustantivo.

Ella va a apelar a tu bondad.

Si + presente, + futuro (apelar).

Si perdemos, apelaremos.

Apelar + a + sustantivo + para + infinitivo.

Apelo a tu paciencia para terminar esto.

Sujeto + suele + apelar + a + sustantivo.

La marca suele apelar a la nostalgia.

Al + infinitivo (apelar), + sujeto + verbo.

Al apelar a la razón, logró convencerlos.

Sujeto + se ve obligado a + apelar.

El reo se ve obligado a apelar.

Sustantivo + es + inapelable.

Su decisión es totalmente inapelable.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

apelación (appeal)

apelante (appellant)

apelado (appellee)

الأفعال

apelar (to appeal)

الصفات

apelable (appealable)

inapelable (unappealable)

apelativo (appellative)

مرتبط

apelativo

nombre

recurso

instancia

tribunal

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in news, law, and formal education; less common in casual daily chores.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 'apelar' for 'to like'. → Me gusta / Me atrae.
This is a false friend. In English, 'this appeals to me' means 'I like this'. In Spanish, 'apelar' only means to challenge or invoke.
Saying 'apelar la razón'. → Apelar a la razón.
Figurative objects require the preposition 'a'.
Using 'apelar' to mean 'to call on the phone'. → Llamar por teléfono.
Though it comes from a root meaning 'to call', it is never used for telecommunications.
Confusing 'apelar' with 'apilar'. → Apelar (to appeal) vs. Apilar (to stack).
They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Don't 'stack' your sentence!
Using 'apelar' for a person directly without 'ante'. → Apelar ante el juez.
You don't 'appeal the judge'; you appeal 'before' or 'to' the judge.

نصائح

The 'A' Rule

Always include 'a' when you are appealing to an abstract noun like logic, mercy, or memory. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete in a figurative sense.

Direct Object in Law

In legal Spanish, the thing you are challenging is the direct object: 'apelar la sentencia'. You don't need 'a' there. This is a key distinction from figurative use.

Inapelable

Learn the adjective 'inapelable'. It's very common in sports and news to describe a final decision that no one can argue with.

Keep it Formal

Use 'apelar' when you want to sound serious. If you are just complaining to a friend, use 'quejarse' or 'reclamar' to avoid sounding like a lawyer.

Marketing Magic

When analyzing ads, look for how they 'apelan a los sentidos' (appeal to the senses). It's a great way to practice the verb in a non-legal context.

Essay Hook

Start a persuasive essay by 'apelando al lector'. For example: 'En este artículo, apelo a su curiosidad para explorar...'

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, 'apelar' is often followed by 'la resolución' or 'el fallo'. Training your ear for these pairs will help your comprehension.

Appeal = Call

Remember the Latin root 'appellare'. It's like 'calling' for a backup. You call (apelar) a higher judge or a higher principle.

Debate Strategy

If you are losing an argument, try 'apelando a los hechos' (appealing to the facts) to steer the conversation back to objective ground.

Institutional Trust

Using 'apelar' shows you respect the system's rules even if you disagree with a specific outcome. It's a respectful way to protest.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'a-peal'. When you 'apelar', you are ringing a bell (a peal) to get the attention of a higher judge or to 'peal' back a bad decision.

ربط بصري

Imagine a lawyer climbing a ladder to a higher office to hand over a paper. The ladder represents the 'apelación' to a higher court.

Word Web

Justicia Tribunal Sentencia Abogado Razón Emociones Recurso Derecho

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences: one about a court, one about a teacher, and one about a friend, all using 'apelar'.

أصل الكلمة

From the Latin 'appellare', which is a frequentative form of 'appellere' (to drive towards, to bring to).

المعنى الأصلي: To address, to call by name, or to summon.

Romance (Latin)

السياق الثقافي

Be careful when using 'apelar' in informal settings; it can sound accusatory if you 'apelar a la lógica' of a friend during a casual argument.

In English, 'appeal' is used for both 'I like it' and 'I challenge it'. In Spanish, 'apelar' is ONLY for 'I challenge it' or 'I call upon it'.

The 'Recurso de Apelación' in the Spanish Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal. Political speeches by leaders like Eva Perón, who often 'apelaba al pueblo'. Sports headlines in 'Marca' or 'AS' when a team like Real Madrid appeals a card.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Legal Proceedings

Apelar la sentencia
Plazo para apelar
Apelar ante el tribunal
Recurso de apelación

Persuasion and Rhetoric

Apelar a la razón
Apelar a los sentimientos
Apelar a la conciencia
Apelar a la lógica

Sports Disputes

Apelar una tarjeta roja
Apelar una sanción
Apelar el resultado
Comité de apelación

Academic/Professional Reviews

Apelar una nota
Apelar un despido
Apelar una decisión administrativa
Derecho a apelar

Resource Usage

Apelar a los ahorros
Apelar a medidas extremas
Apelar a la ayuda internacional
Apelar a la reserva

بدايات محادثة

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que apelar una multa de tráfico injusta?"

"¿Crees que los políticos apelan demasiado a las emociones y poco a la razón?"

"Si pudieras apelar una decisión de tu pasado, ¿cuál sería?"

"¿En qué situaciones es mejor apelar a la lógica que al corazón?"

"¿Qué harías si tu profesor te pusiera una nota baja y no pudieras apelar?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que apelar a la paciencia de alguien para resolver un malentendido.

Escribe un ensayo corto sobre por qué es importante que los ciudadanos tengan el derecho a apelar las sentencias judiciales.

Reflexiona sobre cómo la publicidad moderna apela a nuestros deseos más profundos para vendernos cosas innecesarias.

¿A qué valores apelas tú cuando intentas convencer a tus amigos de que prueben algo nuevo?

Imagina que eres un abogado y escribe un párrafo para apelar una decisión injusta en un caso ficticio.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No. Este es un error común. En español, 'apelar' nunca significa 'gustar' o 'ser atractivo'. Si quieres decir que una idea te gusta, di 'la idea me atrae' o 'me gusta la idea'. 'Apelar' se usa para pedir una revisión legal o invocar un principio.

En España, 'recurrir' es el término general para cualquier desafío legal o administrativo (como una multa). 'Apelar' es un tipo específico de recurso. En el lenguaje cotidiano, puedes usar ambos, pero 'recurrir' es más versátil para pequeñas quejas.

Sí, si quieres decir que estás pidiendo su ayuda o invocando su autoridad. Por ejemplo: 'Apelo a ti como experto en el tema'. Sin embargo, si vas a un tribunal, dices 'apelar ante el juez'.

Se dice 'inapelable'. Se usa para decisiones finales que no se pueden cambiar. Ejemplo: 'La decisión del árbitro es inapelable'.

Usa 'a' para el concepto invocado (apelar a la paz) y 'ante' para la autoridad a la que te diriges (apelar ante el director). También puede usarse 'contra' para indicar qué estás desafiando (apelar contra la decisión).

Sí, es totalmente regular. Sigue el modelo de 'amar' o 'hablar'. No tiene cambios en la raíz ni terminaciones irregulares.

¡Claro! Es muy común. Los equipos suelen apelar las sanciones o las tarjetas rojas ante un comité de competición.

'Apelar' implica pedir un cambio o revisión. 'Invocar' es simplemente citar algo como apoyo. Puedes invocar una ley para apelar una sentencia.

Sí, es un término estándar en todo el mundo hispano, especialmente en contextos legales, periodísticos y formales.

Es más natural decir 'apelar a tu ayuda' o 'pedir ayuda'. 'Apelar por' se usa menos, excepto en construcciones como 'apelar por la paz' (similar a 'clamar por').

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