Inklingo

How to Say "push" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “push” is “empuja” — use this when giving a direct command to one person (tú form) to apply physical force, or to describe a simple action of pushing something.

empuja🔊A1

Use this when giving a direct command to one person (tú form) to apply physical force, or to describe a simple action of pushing something.

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empujónA2

Use this to refer to a specific, often sudden, physical shove or nudge given to someone or something.

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empuje🔊B1

Use this to describe the general concept of physical force, thrust, momentum, or the drive/motivation someone possesses.

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impulso🔊B1

Use this to refer to a force that causes motion or gives momentum, often in a physical or abstract sense like a sudden urge.

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campaña🔊A2

Use this for 'campaign' in the context of organized efforts, especially political or marketing initiatives.

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ofensiva🔊B2

Use this for a 'push' that signifies a strong, organized effort or attack, often in a military or competitive context.

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English → Spanish

empuja

em-POO-hahemˈpu.xa

verbA1General
Use this when giving a direct command to one person (tú form) to apply physical force, or to describe a simple action of pushing something.
A child wearing a red shirt struggles to push a large blue wooden block across a floor.

Examples

¡Empuja la puerta para abrirla!

Push the door to open it!

El niño empuja el coche de juguete.

The boy pushes the toy car.

¡Empuja la puerta con más fuerza!

Push the door harder!

Usted empuja el carrito mientras yo busco el pan.

You push the cart while I look for the bread. (Formal usage)

Dual Role of 'Empuja'

This single word can mean 'He/She/You (formal) pushes' (statement) OR 'Push!' (a direct command to a friend using 'tú'). Context is key!

Confusing Push and Pull

Mistake: “Using 'empujar' when you mean 'tirar' or 'jalar' (to pull).”

Correction: Remember the sign on the door: PULL is usually 'Tire' or 'Jale', PUSH is 'Empuje' (formal command).

empujón

nounA2General
Use this to refer to a specific, often sudden, physical shove or nudge given to someone or something.

Examples

Recibí un empujón inesperado y casi pierdo el equilibrio.

I received an unexpected shove and almost lost my balance.

empuje

em-POO-hehemˈpu.xe

nounB1General
Use this to describe the general concept of physical force, thrust, momentum, or the drive/motivation someone possesses.
A determined athlete sprinting forward with great energy.

Examples

El cohete necesita un gran empuje para despegar.

The rocket needs a great push/thrust to take off.

Necesitamos a una persona con mucho empuje para liderar este equipo.

We need a person with a lot of drive to lead this team.

El empuje del agua rompió la pared de madera.

The push of the water broke the wooden wall.

Su carrera profesional ha cobrado un nuevo empuje este año.

His professional career has gained new momentum this year.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always masculine: 'el empuje'.

Noun vs. Action

Use 'empuje' to talk about the quality of being energetic or the general force of something. Use 'empujón' for a single, physical shove.

Wishes and Commands

This 'e' ending for an -AR verb usually signals that you are giving a polite command or expressing a hope/doubt.

Empuje vs. Empujón

Mistake: “Me dio un empuje en la fila.”

Correction: Me dio un empujón en la fila. (Use 'empujón' for a physical shove by a person).

Wrong Ending

Mistake: “Espero que él empuja.”

Correction: Espero que él empuje. (When you say 'I hope that...', the verb ending often swaps from 'a' to 'e' for -AR verbs).

impulso

eem-POOL-sohimˈpulso

nounB1General
Use this to refer to a force that causes motion or gives momentum, often in a physical or abstract sense like a sudden urge.
A simplified human hand applying physical force to push a single, brightly colored wooden block across a flat surface.

Examples

El corredor necesitó un último impulso para ganar la carrera.

The runner needed a final push/surge to win the race.

Necesitas un buen impulso para saltar esa barrera.

You need a good push/spring to jump that barrier.

El cohete tomó impulso y se elevó al cielo.

The rocket gathered thrust and rose into the sky.

Physical Action

When describing physical action, 'impulso' refers to the initial, sudden force that sets something in motion.

nounA2General
Use this for 'campaign' in the context of organized efforts, especially political or marketing initiatives.

Examples

La campaña publicitaria tuvo mucho éxito.

The advertising campaign was very successful.

ofensiva

o-fen-SEE-baho.fenˈsi.βa

nounB2Formal
Use this for a 'push' that signifies a strong, organized effort or attack, often in a military or competitive context.
A row of colorful toy soldiers and small wooden tanks moving forward together across a green field.

Examples

La nueva ofensiva de la empresa busca capturar más mercado.

The company's new push/offensive aims to capture more market share.

El ejército lanzó una gran ofensiva al amanecer.

The army launched a major offensive at dawn.

El equipo de fútbol tiene una ofensiva muy rápida.

The soccer team has a very fast offensive (attack).

La empresa inició una ofensiva publicitaria para ganar clientes.

The company started a marketing push to win customers.

Using 'ofensiva' as a noun

This word is always feminine when it refers to an attack or a campaign. You will almost always see it with the article 'la' or 'una'.

Confusing 'empujar' with 'empujón' and 'empuje'

Learners often confuse the verb 'empujar' (to push) with the nouns 'empujón' (a shove) and 'empuje' (force/drive). Remember that 'empujar' is the action itself, 'empujón' is a specific instance of shoving, and 'empuje' refers to the force or momentum behind the push.

Related Translations

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