vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Posponer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to postpone", and "aplazar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to postpone". Learn more about the difference between "posponer" and "aplazar" below.
posponer(
pohs
-
poh
-
nehr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to postpone
El partido fue pospuesto debido a la lluvia.The game was postponed due to rain.
b. to put off
El guitarrista se rompió un dedo y tuvieron que posponer el concierto.Their guitar player broke a finger and they had to put off the show.
a. to put before
En estos momentos, debería posponerlo todo a sus estudios.Right now, he should be putting his studies before everything else.
b. to subordinate
La salud pública no se debe posponer a beneficios financieros.Public health should not be subordinated to financial gains.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
aplazar(
ah
-
plah
-
sahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to postpone
La maestra aplazó el examen para la siguiente semana.The teacher postponed the exam until next week.
Puedes aplazar el pago del viaje hasta seis meses sin intereses.You can postpone payment of the trip for up to six months without paying interest.
b. to put off
Ya no puedo aplazar más la cita con el doctor.I can't put off the doctor's appointment any longer.
c. to adjourn (legal)
El juez aplazó el juicio hasta mañana.The judge adjourned the trial until tomorrow.
d. to defer
El consejo aplazó la votación hasta la siguiente sesión.The board deferred the voting until the next session.
2. (education)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to fail
Este curso, el maestro aplazó a varios alumnos en química.This year, the teacher failed various students in chemistry.
aplazarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
3. (to be unsuccessful)
Regionalism used in Bolivia
(Bolivia)
a. to fail
Me aplacé otra vez en conseguir un ascenso.I failed to get a promotion again.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.