aprieta
/ah-pree-EH-tah/
press
A finger presses a button, showing the physical action of 'aprieta'.
aprieta(verb)
press
?physical pressure on a button or object
,squeeze
?applying pressure with hands
tighten
?making a knot or screw more secure
📝 In Action
Aprieta el botón para llamar al ascensor.
A1Press the button to call the elevator.
Ella me aprieta la mano cuando tiene miedo.
A1She squeezes my hand when she is afraid.
💡 Grammar Points
The Stem-Change Rule
This verb is a 'boot verb.' The middle 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Apreta vs. Aprieta
Mistake: "Using 'apreta' for 'he/she presses'."
Correction: Say 'aprieta'. Because the emphasis is on that syllable, the 'e' must expand into 'ie'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Commands
Because 'aprieta' is also the informal command (tú), you can use it to tell a friend to 'Squeeze!' or 'Press!' something.
When a shoe is too small, it 'aprieta' or feels too tight.
aprieta(verb)
to be too tight
?referring to clothes or shoes
,to pinch
?shoes causing pain
📝 In Action
Este zapato me aprieta mucho en el talón.
A2This shoe pinches my heel a lot.
Los pantalones le aprietan después de la cena.
A2His pants are too tight on him after dinner.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'me' and 'le'
When saying something is tight, we usually say WHO it is tight on. Use 'me aprieta' for 'it's tight on me' and 'te aprieta' for 'it's tight on you.'
Pressure to meet a deadline is a way to say someone 'aprieta'.
aprieta(verb)
to pressure
?forcing someone to do something or meet a deadline
,to urge
?insisting strongly
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me aprieta para que termine el proyecto hoy.
B1My boss is pressuring me to finish the project today.
When the heat becomes intense, we say the sun 'aprieta'.
aprieta(verb)
to get intense
?weather (heat/cold) or social situations
,to worsen
?difficult conditions
📝 In Action
En agosto el calor aprieta de verdad.
B2In August, the heat really gets intense.
La crisis económica aprieta a las familias.
B2The economic crisis is hitting families hard.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aprieta
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following describes shoes that are too small?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it 'apreta' or 'aprieta'?
It depends on the form! For 'he/she/it' or 'you (informal command)', it is 'aprieta'. The 'ie' spelling only appears when that part of the word is stressed. For 'we', it stays 'apretamos'.
Can I use 'aprieta' for a handshake?
Not exactly as 'aprieta'. You would say 'dar un apretón de manos' (to give a squeeze of hands).