empuja
/em-POO-hah/
pushes
Empuja (pushes) means applying force to move something away.
empuja(verb)
pushes
?as in 'he/she/it pushes'
,push
?as a command to one person ('tú' form)
shoves
?a forceful push
📝 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)
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Empuja'
This single word can mean 'He/She/You (formal) pushes' (statement) OR 'Push!' (a direct command to a friend using 'tú'). Context is key!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Push and Pull
Mistake: "Using 'empujar' when you mean 'tirar' or 'jalar' (to pull)."
Correction: Remember the sign on the door: PULL is usually 'Tire' or 'Jale', PUSH is 'Empuje' (formal command).
⭐ Usage Tips
Signage Memory Aid
When you see 'EMPUJE' on a door (the formal command form), it means 'PUSH'. This helps you remember the verb's core meaning.
Empuja also translates to 'drives,' meaning to propel or motivate something or someone toward a goal.
empuja(verb)
drives
?motivates or propels someone/something
,encourages
?to give support to a person or idea
promotes
?an idea or agenda
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Force
In this sense, 'empuja' acts like 'driving force' or 'catalyst' in English, showing that something is the main reason for movement or change.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Abstract Nouns
This meaning is often used when the subject is an abstract noun like 'ambition,' 'necessity,' or 'competition,' showing that concept is exerting pressure.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empuja
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'empuja' to mean 'to motivate' rather than 'to physically push'?
📚 More Resources
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.