presionar
/pre-syo-NAR/
to press
Presionar can mean to exert physical force, like pressing a button.
presionar(verb)
to press
?physical force or buttons
to push
?applying weight or force to a surface
📝 In Action
Presiona el botón verde para encender la máquina.
A1Press the green button to turn on the machine.
Tienes que presionar con fuerza para que pegue bien.
A2You have to press hard so it sticks well.
💡 Grammar Points
Presionar vs. Empujar
Use 'presionar' when you are pushing down on something or pushing a button. Use 'empujar' when you are pushing an object to move it away from you, like a door or a cart.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't 'Squeeze' Buttons
Mistake: "Using 'apretar' for every button."
Correction: While 'apretar' is used, 'presionar' or 'pulsar' is often more precise for electronic buttons.
⭐ Usage Tips
Modern Tech
On touchscreens, you'll often see 'mantener presionado' which means 'long-press' or 'hold down'.
Presionar also describes the act of applying social or psychological pressure on someone.
presionar(verb)
to pressure
?social or psychological influence
to lobby
?political or professional influence
,to urge
?strongly encouraging someone
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me está presionando para terminar el proyecto hoy.
B1My boss is pressuring me to finish the project today.
Los sindicatos están presionando al gobierno.
B2The unions are pressuring the government.
💡 Grammar Points
Pressuring someone to do something
When you pressure someone 'to do' something, Spanish uses 'para que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Me presionan para que vaya' (They pressure me to go).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: presionar
Question 1 of 2
Which verb would you use to describe pushing a doorbell?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'presionar' different from 'apretar'?
Yes, though they overlap. 'Apretar' is more about squeezing or tightening (like shoes or a hug), while 'presionar' is strictly about applying force onto a surface or influencing a person.
Can I use 'presionar' for a computer mouse?
Yes, though 'hacer clic' is more common, you can 'presionar el botón del ratón'.