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How to Say "press" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “press” is “aprieta” — use 'aprieta' when referring to the physical act of pushing or squeezing something, like a button, a switch, or an object..

English → Spanish

aprieta

ah-pree-EH-tah/aˈpɾjeta/

verbA1general
Use 'aprieta' when referring to the physical act of pushing or squeezing something, like a button, a switch, or an object.
A finger pressing down on a large, bright red circular button.

Examples

Aprieta el botón para llamar al ascensor.

Press the button to call the elevator.

Ella me aprieta la mano cuando tiene miedo.

She squeezes my hand when she is afraid.

The Stem-Change Rule

This verb is a 'boot verb.' The middle 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).

Apreta vs. Aprieta

Mistake: “Using 'apreta' for 'he/she presses'.”

Correction: Say 'aprieta'. Because the emphasis is on that syllable, the 'e' must expand into 'ie'.

prensa

/pren-sa//ˈpɾensa/

nounA2technical
Use 'prensa' when referring to a machine or tool designed for pressing, squeezing, or holding objects firmly.
A sturdy, simple mechanical machine press with a large piston descending to squeeze a small object on a platform.

Examples

El mecánico puso la pieza en la prensa para sujetarla.

The mechanic put the piece in the vise to hold it.

Usan una gran prensa para hacer aceite de oliva.

They use a large press to make olive oil.

medios

MEH-dee-ohsˈmeðjos

nounB1general
Use 'medios' specifically when referring to the news media, such as newspapers, television, radio, and online journalism.
A collection of devices representing mass communication: a simple television set, a radio, and a tablet device, all grouped together.

Examples

Los medios de comunicación cubrieron el evento en vivo.

The media covered the event live.

Ella trabaja en los medios, haciendo publicidad.

She works in media, doing advertising.

Las redes sociales son considerados nuevos medios.

Social networks are considered new media.

Always Plural

When referring to mass communication, 'medios' is always used in the plural, even though 'media' in English can sometimes be treated as singular.

Using Singular for Media

Mistake: “El medio es muy poderoso.”

Correction: Los medios son muy poderosos. (Use the plural form when talking about the industry or outlets.)

impresión

nounA2general
Use 'impresión' when talking about the process or industry of printing, such as books, magazines, or documents.

Examples

La impresión de estos folletos es de alta calidad.

The printing of these brochures is high quality.

armario

/ar-MAH-ree-oh//aɾˈma.ɾjo/

nounA1general
Use 'armario' to refer to a cupboard or wardrobe, typically used for storing clothes or household items.
A tall, wooden freestanding piece of furniture with two doors, designed for storing clothes, often referred to as a wardrobe.

Examples

Necesito colgar mi vestido en el armario nuevo.

I need to hang my dress in the new wardrobe.

¿Dónde está la llave del armario?

Where is the closet key?

El armario de mi abuela es muy antiguo y huele a naftalina.

My grandmother's wardrobe is very old and smells like mothballs.

Gender Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', 'armario' is a masculine noun. This means you always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Confusing 'armario' and 'cajón'

Mistake: “Poner la ropa en el cajón (Putting clothes in the drawer) when meaning the whole wardrobe.”

Correction: Use 'armario' for the large piece of furniture, and 'cajón' for a single drawer that slides out.

Pressing a Button vs. The News Media

Learners often confuse 'aprieta' (to press a button) with 'medios' (the news media). Remember that 'aprieta' is an action verb, while 'medios' refers to news outlets. 'Prensa' is also related to printing and machinery, not news in general.

Related Translations

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