apoyarse en
verbCEFR B2
What does “apoyarse en” mean in English?
to lean against, to rest on
to lean against, to rest on (apoyarse en/contra — physically or figuratively rest your weight on something for support)
Example sentences
Cansado tras la larga jornada, se apoyó en la pared del pasillo para recuperar el aliento.
Exhausted after the long day, he leaned against the corridor wall to catch his breath.
En su presentación, la investigadora se apoyó en numerosos estudios para respaldar cada una de sus afirmaciones.
In her presentation, the researcher drew on numerous studies to back up each of her claims.
El niño se apoyaba contra la barandilla del balcón mientras miraba pasar a la gente en la calle de abajo.
The child leaned against the balcony railing while watching people pass in the street below.
How to use it
Apoyarse en/contra means 'to lean against' or 'to rest on'. Structure: apoyarse en/contra + surface. Figuratively: apoyarse en algo (rely on/draw on something): 'se apoyó en las estadísticas para defender su argumento' (he drew on statistics to support his argument). The non-reflexive apoyar means 'to support' (apoyar una propuesta — support a proposal). Key distinction: apoyar (support abstractly) vs. apoyarse en (lean/rest physically or figuratively rely on).
Common mistake
Apoyarse en (lean on/rely on — always reflexive with se) vs. apoyar (support — transitive without reflexive). 'Apoyé su candidatura' (I supported his candidacy). 'Me apoyé en la pared' (I leaned against the wall). The preposition is en for surfaces and figurative reliance; contra is used when leaning in opposition/contact with resistance.