postular
postular 30초 만에
- A formal verb for applying for jobs or positions.
- Commonly used in academic and scientific proposals.
- Used reflexively (postularse) when running for office.
- Requires the preposition 'a' for applications (postular a).
The Spanish verb postular is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone navigating professional, academic, or civic environments in the Spanish-speaking world. At its core, it means to put oneself forward as a candidate for something or to propose an idea as a fundamental truth. In most everyday contexts, especially in Latin America, you will encounter it most frequently in the context of job hunting and educational opportunities. Understanding the nuance between 'postular' and its synonyms like 'solicitar' or the anglicism 'aplicar' is a hallmark of B1-level proficiency.
- Professional Context
- In countries like Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, 'postular' is the standard verb used when you send your CV for a job opening. It implies a formal process of candidacy.
Decidí postular a la vacante de gerente de proyectos porque cumplo con todos los requisitos.
Beyond the job market, 'postular' carries weight in the world of science and philosophy. When a scientist 'postula una teoría,' they are not just suggesting it; they are establishing it as a premise or a postulate—a foundational claim upon which further reasoning is built. This dual nature of the word—from the practical 'applying for a job' to the intellectual 'proposing a theorem'—makes it a versatile tool in your vocabulary. It is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation straightforward, but its usage requires an understanding of prepositions, specifically the frequent use of 'a' (postular a algo).
- Academic Context
- Students use this verb when applying for scholarships (becas) or university admissions. It suggests a competitive process where one is being evaluated against others.
Muchos estudiantes extranjeros suelen postular a las becas del gobierno cada año.
Finally, in politics, the reflexive form postularse is used when someone runs for office. If a politician 'se postula para la presidencia,' they are officially declaring their candidacy. This reflexive usage emphasizes the individual's agency in putting themselves forward for a role of public service. Whether you are looking at a LinkedIn post, reading a scientific journal, or watching the news, 'postular' is the bridge between aspiration and formal recognition.
Using postular correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns, particularly its relationship with prepositions and its reflexive form. Unlike the English 'to apply,' which often uses 'for,' the Spanish 'postular' usually takes the preposition 'a' when referring to a position or a scholarship. However, when used as 'to propose a theory,' it is a direct transitive verb and requires no preposition before the object.
- The Preposition 'A'
- When applying for a job, use the structure: [Subject] + postular + a + [Position]. Example: 'Ella postuló a la dirección de la empresa.'
Si quieres el puesto, debes postular a través del portal de empleo oficial.
The reflexive form, postularse, is equally common and often interchangeable in the context of job applications, though it can carry a slightly more personal nuance, as in 'to nominate oneself.' It is frequently followed by the preposition 'como' (as) or 'para' (for). For example, 'Él se postuló como candidato' (He ran as a candidate) or 'Me postulé para el cargo' (I applied for the position). This flexibility allows speakers to emphasize either the action of applying or the role they are seeking.
No es necesario postularse dos veces para la misma oferta de trabajo.
In formal writing, such as a cover letter, you might use the past participle postulado. For instance, 'Habiendo postulado anteriormente, conozco el proceso.' This demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. Remember that since it is a regular verb, it follows the standard -ar endings (postulo, postulas, postula, postulamos, postulan), making it one of the easier 'professional' verbs to conjugate without error across all tenses.
In the modern world, postular is ubiquitous in professional digital spaces. If you change your LinkedIn language settings to Spanish, the 'Apply' button will often be translated as 'Postular' or 'Postularse'. This is the most common place a learner will encounter the word today. It is the standard technical term for the digital act of clicking a button to submit a resume.
- In the Office
- Human Resources (Recursos Humanos) professionals use it constantly. You might hear: 'Tenemos a diez personas que han postulado para este cargo.'
Mañana es el último día para postular a la vacante interna.
Another common setting is the university campus. Professors and administrative staff use it when discussing research grants, doctoral programs, or exchange programs. For example, a notice board might read: 'Abierta la convocatoria para postular al programa de intercambio en Madrid.' In these academic settings, the word carries a tone of prestige and formal competition, distinguishing it from simply 'asking' for something.
El científico decidió postular una nueva hipótesis sobre el cambio climático.
Finally, during election cycles, news anchors and political analysts use 'postular' to describe the actions of candidates. You will hear phrases like 'El partido decidió postular a su líder más carismático' (The party decided to nominate their most charismatic leader). In this context, it implies a strategic choice and a formal presentation of a candidate to the public. Whether in a boardroom, a laboratory, or a political rally, 'postular' is the word of formal intent.
The most frequent error English speakers make with postular is the 'false friend' trap or 'Spanglish' influence. Many learners try to use the verb aplicar because it sounds like 'apply.' While 'aplicar' is valid in Spanish, it usually means 'to apply a substance' (like cream) or 'to apply a rule.' Using 'aplicar a un trabajo' is considered an anglicism and, while understood, can make you sound less proficient in a professional setting.
- Mistake: Wrong Preposition
- Avoid saying 'postular por un trabajo'. The correct preposition is 'a' or 'para'. Correct: 'Postular a un trabajo'.
Incorrecto: Voy a aplicar para el puesto.
Correcto: Voy a postular al puesto.
Another common mistake is forgetting the reflexive 'se' when it is required. While you can 'postular a alguien' (nominate someone else), if you are the one applying, you are often 'postulándote' (nominating yourself). Forgetting the reflexive pronoun can sometimes change the meaning from 'I am applying' to 'I am proposing (something else).' Pay close attention to whether the action reflects back on the subject.
No puedes postular si no tienes el título universitario requerido.
Finally, learners often confuse the scientific meaning with the professional one. Do not say 'Postulo que quiero el trabajo.' That sounds like you are stating a scientific law that you want the job. Use 'Postulo que...' only when proposing a theory or a logical premise. For job contexts, simply use 'Postulo al puesto.' Keeping these contexts separate will ensure your Spanish sounds natural and professional.
To truly master postular, you must know its neighbors in the Spanish lexicon. Depending on the country and the formality of the situation, you might choose a different word to express the idea of applying or proposing. The most common alternative is solicitar, which is widely used for 'to request' or 'to apply for' something formal like a visa, a loan, or sometimes a job.
- Postular vs. Solicitar
- 'Postular' implies a competition for a position. 'Solicitar' is a general request for an service or item. You 'solicitar' a credit card, but you 'postular' to be the CEO.
En España es muy común decir 'presentarse a una oposición' en lugar de postular.
In Spain specifically, the verb presentarse is the go-to choice for job applications and exams. You might say 'Me presento al examen' or 'Me presento para el puesto de administrativo.' It feels slightly less formal than 'postular' but is the standard in the Iberian Peninsula. Another synonym is aspirar, which means 'to aspire to' or 'to aim for.' This is often used when the focus is on the ambition behind the application, such as 'Él aspira a la presidencia.'
Para postular con éxito, tu perfil debe destacar entre los demás aspirantes.
When dealing with theories or ideas, synonyms include enunciar (to state), afirmar (to affirm), or plantear (to pose/propose). Choosing 'postular' in these cases adds a layer of formal logic. For example, 'El autor plantea una duda' vs 'El autor postula una solución.' The latter sounds more definitive and structured. By varying your choice between these words, you can precisely match the tone and regional expectations of your audience.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The word 'postulate' in English comes from the same root, which is why 'postular' is used for scientific theories—it's essentially 'asking' the audience to accept a premise.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'use' (yoo). It should be a pure 'oo' sound.
- Aspirating the 'p' at the beginning.
- Using an English 'r' at the end instead of a Spanish tap.
난이도
Common in news and job sites, easy to recognize.
Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'a'.
Requires correct stress on the last syllable.
Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Preposition 'a' with postular
Postulo a la beca (NOT postulo la beca).
Reflexive 'se' for self-nomination
Él se postuló para presidente.
Subjunctive with 'es necesario que'
Es necesario que postules hoy.
Direct object with scientific 'postular'
Él postuló la ley de gravedad.
Future tense for upcoming applications
Postularé el próximo lunes.
수준별 예문
Yo quiero postular a este trabajo.
I want to apply for this job.
Uses the infinitive after 'querer'.
¿Cómo puedo postular?
How can I apply?
Simple question with 'cómo'.
Ella postula a la escuela.
She applies to the school.
Third person singular present tense.
Nosotros postulamos hoy.
We apply today.
First person plural present tense.
Tú postulas a una beca.
You apply for a scholarship.
Second person singular present tense.
Ellos postulan al equipo.
They apply to the team.
Third person plural present tense.
Quiero postular ahora.
I want to apply now.
Infinitive usage.
¿Quieres postular tú?
Do you want to apply?
Question form.
Ayer postulé a tres empresas diferentes.
Yesterday I applied to three different companies.
Preterite tense (past).
¿Ya postulaste para el puesto?
Did you already apply for the position?
Preterite tense question.
Él postuló el mes pasado.
He applied last month.
Preterite tense third person.
Estamos listos para postular.
We are ready to apply.
Adjective + preposition + infinitive.
Ella no pudo postular a tiempo.
She couldn't apply on time.
Negative past tense.
¿Van a postular ustedes también?
Are you all going to apply too?
Future with 'ir a'.
Postular es fácil por internet.
Applying is easy online.
Infinitive as a subject.
Mi hermano postuló a la universidad.
My brother applied to the university.
Subject + verb + preposition.
Me gustaría postular a la vacante de diseñador.
I would like to apply for the designer vacancy.
Conditional mood for politeness.
Si tuviera experiencia, postularía a ese cargo.
If I had experience, I would apply for that position.
Imperfect subjunctive + conditional (Type 2 conditional).
Es necesario que postules antes del lunes.
It is necessary that you apply before Monday.
Present subjunctive after 'es necesario que'.
Se postuló como voluntario para el evento.
He volunteered (nominated himself) for the event.
Reflexive form 'postularse'.
¿Sabes cuántas personas han postulado?
Do you know how many people have applied?
Present perfect tense.
Postular a una beca requiere mucho esfuerzo.
Applying for a scholarship requires a lot of effort.
Gerund-like use of infinitive as subject.
Ella decidió postularse para delegada de la clase.
She decided to run for class representative.
Reflexive infinitive.
No olvides postular a través del enlace.
Don't forget to apply through the link.
Negative imperative.
El científico postula que el universo se expande.
The scientist postulates that the universe is expanding.
Academic usage of 'postular'.
Aunque postulé, no recibí ninguna respuesta.
Even though I applied, I didn't receive any response.
Concessive clause with 'aunque'.
Me postularé en cuanto abran la convocatoria.
I will apply as soon as they open the call for applications.
Future tense with 'en cuanto' + subjunctive.
Habiendo postulado antes, ya conozco el sistema.
Having applied before, I already know the system.
Perfect participle (compound gerund).
Se postula una nueva reforma para el próximo año.
A new reform is being proposed for next year.
Passive 'se' construction.
Espero que ellos postulen a la oferta pronto.
I hope that they apply for the offer soon.
Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.
Postular sin cumplir los requisitos es inútil.
Applying without meeting the requirements is useless.
Preposition 'sin' + infinitive.
¿Quién se postuló para el puesto de tesorero?
Who ran for the position of treasurer?
Reflexive preterite question.
La teoría postula la existencia de múltiples dimensiones.
The theory postulates the existence of multiple dimensions.
Formal academic subject.
Resulta imperativo postular soluciones innovadoras.
It is imperative to propose innovative solutions.
Formal impersonal expression.
Pese a haber postulado tarde, fue seleccionada.
Despite having applied late, she was selected.
'Pese a' + perfect infinitive.
El candidato se postula como la única alternativa viable.
The candidate presents himself as the only viable alternative.
Reflexive usage with 'como'.
No creo que postular sea la mejor estrategia ahora.
I don't think applying is the best strategy right now.
Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.
Se han postulado diversas hipótesis sobre el origen del virus.
Various hypotheses have been proposed about the origin of the virus.
Passive 'se' with plural subject.
Al postular, debes adjuntar toda la documentación.
Upon applying, you must attach all documentation.
'Al' + infinitive (meaning 'when/upon').
La empresa suele postular a sus mejores empleados para premios.
The company usually nominates its best employees for awards.
Transitive usage (nominating someone else).
La ontología postula una realidad independiente del sujeto.
Ontology postulates a reality independent of the subject.
Philosophical subject.
Cualquier axioma que se postule debe ser coherente.
Any axiom that is postulated must be coherent.
Relative clause with subjunctive.
Su decisión de no postularse causó un gran revuelo.
His decision not to run for office caused a great stir.
Infinitive as a noun phrase.
Se postula, por tanto, un cambio de paradigma radical.
Therefore, a radical paradigm shift is postulated.
Formal transitional phrase 'por tanto'.
Dudo que alguien se atreva a postular contra él.
I doubt anyone dares to run against him.
Subjunctive after 'dudar que'.
Haber postulado a tal cargo requiere una gran audacia.
To have applied for such a position requires great audacity.
Perfect infinitive as subject.
El texto postula una crítica mordaz al sistema actual.
The text proposes a biting criticism of the current system.
Abstract transitive usage.
Independientemente de quién postule, el proceso será justo.
Regardless of who applies, the process will be fair.
'Independientemente de' + relative clause with subjunctive.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To apply using a written document.
Es necesario postular por escrito a la junta.
— To apply for a job without knowing much about it.
No es bueno postular a ciegas a cualquier oferta.
— To apply based on one's achievements.
Ella prefiere postular por mérito propio.
— To apply for a position from another location.
Es posible postular a distancia para este trabajo remoto.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Common anglicism. Use 'postular' for jobs.
'Solicitar' is for requests, 'postular' is for candidacies.
'Pedir' is too informal for a professional application.
관용어 및 표현
— To apply for something with no real chance of getting it.
Postular a la NASA sin estudios es postular al aire.
informal— To apply for things without real interest or thought.
No mandes CVs a todos lados, no postules por postular.
informal— To be the first to volunteer or offer oneself.
Cuando hay trabajo extra, él siempre se postula el primero.
neutral— To aim for a very high, almost impossible position.
Ella siempre postula a las estrellas en su carrera.
figurative— To apply for something one is deeply passionate about.
Postuló con el corazón a esa ONG.
figurative— To apply for a volunteer or unpaid role out of passion.
Se postuló por amor al arte para pintar el mural.
informal— To apply for a job that hasn't been advertised.
A veces funciona postular en frío a las empresas.
professional— To apply for many things at once with great energy.
Está buscando trabajo y postula a todo trapo.
slang— To apply very carefully and cautiously.
Postula con pies de plomo porque la empresa es estricta.
idiomatic— To say one is interested without formalizing the application.
Solo postuló de palabra, pero nunca envió los papeles.
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
It can be a noun or a past participle.
As a noun, it means a 'premise'. As a verb form, it means 'applied'.
El postulado (noun) de la física es claro. He postulado (verb) al cargo.
Both involve wanting a job.
'Aspirar' describes the desire; 'postular' describes the formal action.
Aspiro a ser jefe, por eso voy a postular.
Used for the same action in Spain.
Regional preference. 'Postular' is Latin American; 'Presentarse' is Iberian.
Me presento al puesto (Spain). Postulo al puesto (Mexico).
Both involve candidates.
'Nominar' is usually done by others; 'postular' is usually done by oneself.
Me postulé al premio, pero ellos nominaron a otro.
Both used for theories.
'Enunciar' is just to state; 'postular' is to set as a foundation.
Enunció el problema, pero postuló una solución.
문장 패턴
Yo quiero postular a [Job].
Yo quiero postular a este restaurante.
[Subject] postuló a [Place] ayer.
María postuló a la fábrica ayer.
Si tuviera [Noun], postularía a [Cargo].
Si tuviera tiempo, postularía a ese curso.
Espero que [Subject] postule pronto.
Espero que mi hermano postule pronto.
Se postula que [Theory].
Se postula que la tierra es redonda.
Habiendo postulado a [X], ahora espero [Y].
Habiendo postulado a la beca, ahora espero la respuesta.
Resulta conveniente postular a [X] dado que [Reason].
Resulta conveniente postular a ese fondo dado que somos expertos.
Independientemente de quién se postule, [Condition].
Independientemente de quién se postule, ganaremos.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Very high in professional and academic contexts in Latin America.
-
Yo aplico para el trabajo.
→
Yo postulo al trabajo.
'Aplicar' is an anglicism in this context. Use 'postular' for a more native sound.
-
Postulo la beca.
→
Postulo a la beca.
Missing the mandatory preposition 'a' for applications.
-
Me postulo como un candidato.
→
Me postulo como candidato.
In Spanish, the indefinite article 'un' is often omitted after 'como' when stating a role.
-
Él postula que quiere café.
→
Él dice que quiere café.
'Postular que' is for formal theories, not daily desires.
-
Ayer postulé para un crédito.
→
Ayer solicité un crédito.
'Postular' is for positions/competitions; 'solicitar' is for services or items like loans.
팁
LinkedIn Strategy
Si buscas trabajo en países hispanos, busca la palabra 'Postular' en los botones de las plataformas de empleo. Es la señal de que puedes enviar tu CV.
The 'A' Rule
Nunca olvides la 'a'. Decir 'postular el cargo' suena incompleto. Di siempre 'postular al cargo' (a + el = al).
Word Family
Aprende 'postulante' al mismo tiempo. Si tú postulas, tú eres el postulante.
Regionalism
Si viajas a Chile o Perú, prepárate para escuchar 'postular' para todo: universidad, trabajo, bonos del gobierno, etc.
Cover Letters
Usa 'Tengo el agrado de postular...' para iniciar una carta de presentación muy formal y elegante.
Confidence
Al decir 'Me postulo', proyectas seguridad en tu candidatura. Es una palabra fuerte y decidida.
Context Clues
Si escuchas 'postular' en un laboratorio, están hablando de ideas. Si lo escuchas en una oficina, están hablando de vacantes.
False Friends
No confundas 'postular' con 'posture' (postura). No tienen nada que ver con la posición del cuerpo.
Scientific Method
Usa 'postular' en tus ensayos académicos para elevar el nivel de tu argumentación al proponer premisas.
HR Language
Familiarízate con 'periodo de postulación', que es el tiempo que tienes para enviar tus documentos.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'Post-U-Lar'. After (Post) you (U) finish school, you need to 'Lar' (like 'Learn') how to APPLY for a job.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person putting a letter into a mailbox (Post) that says 'U' (University) on it.
Word Web
챌린지
Write a 3-sentence email in Spanish to a company explaining that you want to 'postular' for a specific role.
어원
From the Latin 'postulare', which means 'to ask, demand, or request'.
원래 의미: To request or demand a legal action or a specific right.
Romance / Latin.문화적 맥락
None, but ensure you use 'postular' in formal settings to sound more professional than 'pedir'.
English speakers often use 'apply', which covers both 'postular' and 'solicitar'. Spanish is more specific.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Job Search
- ¿Dónde puedo postular?
- Quiero postular a esta vacante.
- Ya envié mi postulación.
- El cierre de postulaciones es mañana.
University
- Postular a una beca.
- Postular a un doctorado.
- Requisitos para postular.
- ¿Cuándo abren las postulaciones?
Science
- Postular una teoría.
- El autor postula que...
- Un postulado básico.
- Postular una nueva hipótesis.
Politics
- Postularse para alcalde.
- El partido va a postular a...
- Se postuló por segunda vez.
- Decidió no postularse.
Awards/Grants
- Postular a un premio.
- Me postularon para el galardón.
- ¿Quién puede postular?
- Postular a fondos concursables.
대화 시작하기
"¿Alguna vez has tenido que postular a un trabajo en otro país?"
"¿A qué universidad te gustaría postular en el futuro?"
"¿Crees que es mejor postular a muchas empresas o solo a unas pocas?"
"¿Qué requisitos piden para postular a una beca en tu ciudad?"
"¿Te gustaría postularte para algún cargo político algún día?"
일기 주제
Describe el proceso de la última vez que tuviste que postular a algo importante.
Si pudieras postular a cualquier trabajo del mundo, ¿cuál elegirías y por qué?
Escribe sobre una teoría científica que postule algo interesante sobre el universo.
¿Qué consejos le darías a alguien que va a postular a su primer empleo?
Reflexiona sobre la importancia de postularse para roles de liderazgo en la comunidad.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Aunque se entiende, es un anglicismo. En un entorno formal, es mucho mejor usar 'postular' o 'solicitar'. Usar 'postular' demuestra un mejor dominio del español profesional.
'Postular' se usa para la acción general o científica. 'Postularse' es reflexivo y se usa cuando tú mismo te presentas como candidato. Ejemplo: 'Voy a postularme para el cargo'.
Lo más común es 'postular a' (Postulo a la beca). También se puede usar 'postular para' (Postulo para el puesto).
En España se usa más 'solicitar' o 'presentarse'. 'Postular' se reserva para contextos muy formales, políticos o científicos en la península.
Se dice 'postulante' o 'aspirante'. En España es común 'solicitante'.
Sí, es muy común en ciencia. 'El investigador postula que...' significa que propone una idea como base de su estudio.
Sí, es un verbo regular terminado en -ar. Sigue el modelo de 'amar'.
Sí, puedes postular a un colega para un premio o un cargo. 'El jefe postuló a María para el ascenso'.
Es el sustantivo que describe el acto de aplicar. 'Mi postulación fue aceptada'.
Se usa en matemáticas o filosofía para referirse a una proposición que se acepta sin pruebas. 'Los postulados de Euclides'.
셀프 테스트 8 질문
/ 8 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'postular' when you want to sound professional while applying for a job or scholarship in Latin America. Example: 'Voy a postular a la beca' (I'm going to apply for the scholarship).
- A formal verb for applying for jobs or positions.
- Commonly used in academic and scientific proposals.
- Used reflexively (postularse) when running for office.
- Requires the preposition 'a' for applications (postular a).
LinkedIn Strategy
Si buscas trabajo en países hispanos, busca la palabra 'Postular' en los botones de las plataformas de empleo. Es la señal de que puedes enviar tu CV.
The 'A' Rule
Nunca olvides la 'a'. Decir 'postular el cargo' suena incompleto. Di siempre 'postular al cargo' (a + el = al).
Word Family
Aprende 'postulante' al mismo tiempo. Si tú postulas, tú eres el postulante.
Regionalism
Si viajas a Chile o Perú, prepárate para escuchar 'postular' para todo: universidad, trabajo, bonos del gobierno, etc.
예시
Decidí postularme para el puesto de director de proyectos.
관련 콘텐츠
이 단어를 다른 언어로
work 관련 단어
a corto plazo
B1Within a short period of time; in the short term.
a distancia
B1멀리서, 또는 원격으로. 재택근무나 리모컨에 자주 사용됩니다.
a largo plazo
B1Over a long period of time; in the long term.
a plazo fijo
B1명확한 종료일이 있는 특정 고정 기간에 대한 약속 또는 계약.
a prueba
B1수습 기간 중; 시험 중인.
a tiempo
B1At the correct or scheduled time.
a tiempo completo
B1풀타임으로 일하는 것. 이것은 대부분의 직원의 표준입니다.
a tiempo parcial
B1파트타임으로 일한다는 것은 표준 풀타임보다 적은 시간 동안 일하는 것을 의미합니다.
accionista
B1주주는 주식회사의 주식을 보유하고 있는 사람이나 법인을 말합니다.
adaptable
B1Able to adjust to new conditions.