alternativa
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “alternativa” mean in English?
alternative, option — another possibility or course of action; often with rhetorical force in policy debate
alternative, option — another possibility or course of action; often with rhetorical force in policy debate (no hay alternativa; plantear alternativas; como alternativa a)
Example sentences
La transición hacia las energías renovables no es una opción más: es la única alternativa real a la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles.
The transition to renewable energies is not just one more option: it is the only real alternative to dependence on fossil fuels.
Los ciudadanos exigen que el gobierno plantee alternativas concretas antes de cerrar el debate.
Citizens are demanding that the government put forward concrete alternatives before closing the debate.
Como alternativa al transporte privado, el ayuntamiento ha extendido la red de carril bici en toda la ciudad.
As an alternative to private transport, the city council has extended the cycle lane network throughout the city.
How to use it
La alternativa (noun, feminine) means 'alternative, option, other possibility'. At B2 it is productive in debate, policy, and analytical writing. Core collocations: no haber/tener alternativa (there is no alternative), buscar/plantear/proponer alternativas; una alternativa viable/real/creíble; como alternativa a (as an alternative to); presentar alternativas. The set phrase no existe/hay alternativa (there is no alternative) is a key rhetorical move in political discourse. Distinguish from opción (a choice you make) and solución (a solution — implies the problem is resolved).
Common mistake
La alternativa is singular — 'an alternative'. The plural las alternativas means 'options' or 'alternatives' in general. The classic rhetorical move 'There Is No Alternative' (TINA) translates as No existe alternativa or No hay alternativa — be aware this is a loaded political phrase. Don't confuse with opción (specific choice already on the table) or sustituto (a replacement item).