How to Say "to apply" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to apply” is “aplicar” — use this word when you are spreading or putting a substance, like cream, paint, or a lotion, onto a surface.
aplicar
ah-plee-KAHRa.pliˈkaɾ
Examples
Tienes que aplicar la crema dos veces al día.
You have to apply the cream twice a day.
Aplica un poco de fuerza para abrir la puerta.
Apply a little force to open the door.
Debemos aplicar este método en nuestro trabajo.
We must apply this method to our work.
The Spelling Shift
When 'yo' does something in the past (the preterite), the 'c' changes to 'qu' (apliqué). This is just to make sure the word keeps its hard 'k' sound.
Subjunctive Changes
In the special form for wishes or commands (subjunctive), the 'c' always becomes 'qu' (aplique, apliques, etc.) to keep that 'k' sound consistent.
The 'Job Application' Trap
Mistake: “Voy a aplicar para el trabajo.”
Correction: Voy a solicitar el trabajo o postularme al trabajo.
postular
pohs-too-LAHRpos.tuˈlaɾ
Examples
Me quiero postular para el puesto de gerente.
I want to apply for the manager position.
El partido decidió postular a una candidata joven.
The party decided to nominate a young female candidate.
Juan se postuló a la presidencia del club.
Juan ran for the presidency of the club.
Using 'se' with postular
When you are the one applying for a job, you often use the form 'postularse' (adding 'se' at the end). This shows you are putting yourself forward for the position.
Connecting to the job
We usually use the word 'a' or 'para' after postular to show what you are applying for, like 'postular a una vacante'.
Postular vs. Aplicar
Mistake: “Voy a aplicar para el trabajo.”
Correction: Voy a postularme para el trabajo.
proceder
pro-seh-DEHRpɾo.seˈðeɾ
Examples
Su reclamo no procede.
Your claim is not valid / does not apply.
En este caso, lo que procede es pedir una prórroga.
In this case, the appropriate thing to do is to ask for an extension.
regir
reh-HEERreˈxiɾ
Examples
Estas leyes ya no rigen en este país.
These laws no longer apply in this country.
Las normas que rigen el juego son muy claras.
The rules that apply to the game are very clear.
El horario de invierno rige a partir de mañana.
The winter schedule takes effect starting tomorrow.
Use with inanimate objects
In this sense, the word is usually used with things like 'leyes' (laws), 'normas' (rules), or 'precios' (prices) as the subject.
Confusing with 'regalar'
Mistake: “Me rigieron un libro.”
Correction: Me regalaron un libro. (Regir means to rule or apply, not to give a gift).
Job Applications vs. Spreading Cream
Related Translations
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