presionar
“presionar” means “to press” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to press
Also: to push
📝 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.
to pressure
Also: to lobby, to urge
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: presionar
Question 1 of 2
Which verb would you use to describe pushing a doorbell?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'pressio,' which describes the act of squeezing or pushing down.
First recorded: 17th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.