empujar
/em-poo-HAR/
to push
Empujar means to push, like when moving a heavy object away from you.
empujar(verb)
to push
?moving an object away from you with force
to shove
?pushing someone or something roughly
📝 In Action
Tienes que empujar la puerta para entrar.
A1You have to push the door to get in.
No me empujes, por favor.
A1Don't shove me, please.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' with People
When you push a specific person, you must put the word 'a' before their name or the person word. Example: 'Empujó a Juan'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Push vs. Pull
Mistake: "Using 'tirar' to mean push."
Correction: Use 'empujar' for push. 'Tirar' actually means to pull (and sometimes to throw!).
⭐ Usage Tips
Signage Secret
On doors in Spain or Latin America, you will often see 'Empuje' (Push) and 'Tire' (Pull). Look for the 'E' for 'Enter' (Push) to help you remember!
Empujar can also mean to push in the sense of encouraging someone to take a step forward.
empujar(verb)
to push
?to encourage or pressure someone to do something
to drive
?to provide the motivation for an action
📝 In Action
Mis padres me empujaron a estudiar música.
B1My parents pushed me to study music.
La crisis empujó a la gente a buscar soluciones nuevas.
B2The crisis drove people to look for new solutions.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' + Infinitive
When you use 'empujar' to mean pushing someone to DO something, use the pattern: empujar + person + 'a' + action verb. Example: 'Me empuja a correr' (He pushes me to run).
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive vs. Negative
This can be positive (encouragement) or negative (pressure), just like in English. Let the tone of the sentence guide you!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: empujar
Question 1 of 2
If you see a sign on a shop door that says 'Empuje', what should you do?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'empujar' regular or irregular?
It is completely regular! It follows the standard -ar verb patterns for every single tense.
What is the difference between 'empujar' and 'pujar'?
'Empujar' means to push an object. 'Pujar' is much more specific, meaning to bid at an auction or to strain/grunt while making a physical effort.