Inklingo

How to Say "pressure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pressure” is “presión” — use this for general feelings of stress or demanding situations, especially in work or personal life, and also for the scientific measurement of force per unit area.

English → Spanish

presión

nounA2general
Use this for general feelings of stress or demanding situations, especially in work or personal life, and also for the scientific measurement of force per unit area.

Examples

Siento mucha presión en el trabajo para terminar el proyecto.

I feel a lot of pressure at work to finish the project.

presión

nounB1medical, scientific
Use this when referring to medical measurements like blood pressure.

Examples

Necesitas tomarte la presión arterial después de caminar.

You need to take your blood pressure after walking.

estrés

nounA2general
Use this specifically for the feeling of being mentally or emotionally overwhelmed and stressed.

Examples

Tengo mucho estrés por los exámenes finales.

I have a lot of stress because of final exams.

urgencia

oor-HEN-syahuɾˈxensja

nounA2general
Use this when the 'pressure' is related to a strict time limit or the need for immediate action.
A ringing red alarm bell on a plain background with motion lines.

Examples

No hay ninguna urgencia, tómate tu tiempo.

There is no urgency, take your time.

Atendieron el asunto con mucha urgencia.

They handled the matter with great urgency.

Feminine Word Pattern

Most Spanish words ending in '-cia' are feminine. You should always use feminine markers like 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using 'urgencia' as an adjective

Mistake: “Es muy urgencia.”

Correction: Es muy urgente.

opresión

nounB1physical, figurative
Use this for a physical sensation of tightness or constriction, often felt in the chest, or for political/social oppression.

Examples

Siento una fuerte opresión en el pecho cuando estoy nervioso.

I feel a strong tightness in my chest when I am nervous.

tensión

nounB2medical
Use this in a medical context, specifically when referring to blood pressure.

Examples

El doctor me dijo que mi tensión está un poco alta.

The doctor told me my blood pressure is a bit high.

Presión vs. Tensión for Blood Pressure

The most common confusion is between 'presión' and 'tensión' when talking about blood pressure. While both can be understood, 'presión arterial' is the standard scientific term. However, in everyday medical conversation, 'tensión' is frequently used by doctors and patients alike to mean blood pressure.

Related Translations

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