forzar
/for-SAR/
to force
The child uses effort to force the heavy cart to move.
forzar(verb)
to force
?to make someone do something or make something happen
to compel
?to obligate someone through pressure
📝 In Action
No puedes forzar a nadie a quererte.
B1You cannot force anyone to love you.
La crisis forzó al gobierno a tomar medidas.
B2The crisis forced the government to take measures.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'O' to 'UE' Change
In many present-tense forms, the 'o' in the middle of forzar changes to 'ue' when you stress it (like 'fuerzo').
Spelling Change (Z to C)
When a form ends in 'e' (like 'forcé'), the 'z' changes to 'c' to keep the soft 's/th' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't forget the 'A'
Mistake: "Forzar él a venir."
Correction: Forzarlo a venir. When you force someone to do an action, always use 'a' before the next verb.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softening it up
If you want to sound less aggressive, use 'obligar' (to obligate) instead of 'forzar'.
A tool is used to force open a locked wooden chest.
forzar(verb)
to break into / to force open
?physical entry into something locked
to strain / to overwork
?pushing a body part or a machine too hard
📝 In Action
Alguien forzó la cerradura mientras no estábamos.
B2Someone forced the lock while we were away.
No fuerces la vista leyendo a oscuras.
B2Don't strain your eyes reading in the dark.
Si fuerzas el motor, se va a romper.
B1If you push the engine too hard, it's going to break.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using it with Body Parts
When talking about body parts like eyes (la vista) or a muscle, forzar means 'to strain' or 'to overexert'.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: forzar
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'I force' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'forzar' always negative?
Usually, yes. It implies that something is happening against someone's will or beyond a natural limit. However, 'reforzar' (to reinforce) is often positive.
What is the difference between 'obligar' and 'forzar'?
'Obligar' is more about rules, duties, or social pressure. 'Forzar' feels more physical or like a heavy, unavoidable pressure.