empuja
“empuja” means “pushes” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pushes, push
Also: shoves
📝 In Action
El niño empuja el coche de juguete.
A1The boy pushes the toy car.
¡Empuja la puerta con más fuerza!
A2Push the door harder!
Usted empuja el carrito mientras yo busco el pan.
A2You push the cart while I look for the bread. (Formal usage)
drives, encourages
Also: promotes
📝 In Action
Su ambición empuja su carrera profesional.
B1His ambition drives his professional career.
La crisis empuja a la gente a buscar soluciones.
B2The crisis pushes people to look for solutions.
El entrenador siempre empuja a los jugadores a mejorar.
B1The coach always encourages (or drives) the players to improve.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: empuja
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'empuja' to mean 'to motivate' rather than 'to physically push'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'empujar' comes from an earlier, reconstructed Vulgar Latin word, likely *impulsare*, which itself is derived from the Latin *impellere* (to push or strike against). It shares a root with the English word 'impulse'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'empuja' formal or informal?
'Empuja' itself can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is the formal present tense statement for 'Usted' ('You push') but the informal command for 'tú' ('Push!'). It all depends on who you are talking to.
What is the difference between 'empujar' and 'impulsar'?
Both mean 'to push' or 'to propel'. 'Empujar' is the common, everyday word for physical pushing. 'Impulsar' is generally reserved for the figurative sense, meaning 'to boost,' 'to promote,' or 'to give momentum' to an idea or project.