apretar
“apretar” means “to press” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to press, to tighten
Also: to squeeze
📝 In Action
Tienes que apretar el botón rojo para empezar.
A2You have to press the red button to start.
Estos zapatos me aprietan mucho.
A2These shoes are very tight on me (they squeeze me).
Aprieta el tornillo con el destornillador.
B1Tighten the screw with the screwdriver.
to urge / to pressure, to become intense
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me está apretando para terminar el informe.
B2My boss is pressuring me to finish the report.
El calor aprieta mucho en agosto.
B2The heat gets very intense in August.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apretar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'My shoes are too tight'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin 'appectorare,' which essentially meant 'to press against the chest.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'apretar' and 'presionar'?
'Apretar' often implies tightening or squeezing something physical (like a belt or a hand), while 'presionar' is more common for physical pressure against a surface or abstract social pressure.
Can 'apretar' mean 'to hug'?
Yes, 'dar un apretón' can refer to a strong hug or a handshake, and 'apretar a alguien' can mean to squeeze them in a hug.