Inklingo

How to Say "to click" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pulsar

/pool-SAHR//pulˈsaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'pulsar' when referring to the action of pressing a button or a link on a computer screen or device.
A close-up of a human finger pressing down on a single, large, round red button.

Examples

Haz clic en el enlace para descargar el archivo.

Click on the link to download the file.

Pulsa el botón rojo para detener la máquina.

Press the red button to stop the machine.

Debes pulsar la tecla Enter en el teclado.

You must press the Enter key on the keyboard.

Para ver el video, pulsa en el icono de reproducción.

To see the video, click on the play icon.

Pulsar vs. Empujar

Use 'pulsar' for quick touches like buttons or screens. Use 'empujar' when you need to use force to move something, like a heavy door.

Direct Action

This word usually connects directly to the thing you are pressing without needing a word in between: 'Pulsar el botón' (Press the button).

Clicking a Mouse

Mistake: “Hacer click el ratón”

Correction: Pulsar el botón del ratón (or simply 'hacer clic en'). Pulsar is the more formal way to describe the physical action.

pinchar

/peen-CHAR//pinˈtʃaɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'pinchar' to describe the action of clicking on something, often with a sense of 'pricking' or 'stinging', especially when referring to a sharp or undesirable click, like on a pop-up ad.
A hand holding a small needle touching a bright red balloon.

Examples

No pinches ese anuncio, es una trampa.

Don't click on that ad, it's a trap.

Ten cuidado con el cactus, no te vayas a pinchar.

Be careful with the cactus, don't prick yourself.

Tienes que pinchar en el enlace para ver el video.

You have to click on the link to see the video.

Se me pinchó una rueda del coche en la autopista.

I got a flat tire on the highway (literally: A wheel punctured itself on me).

Using 'Se' for Accidents

When a tire goes flat, Spanish speakers often say 'se me pinchó la rueda.' This implies it was an accident that happened 'to' you, rather than something you did on purpose.

Clicking in Tech

When talking about computers, use the word 'en' after pinchar, like 'pincha en el icono' (click on the icon).

Click vs. Pinchar

Mistake: “Hacer click el link.”

Correction: Pinchar en el link (or 'Hacer clic en el link').

Pulsar vs. Pinchar

Learners often confuse 'pulsar' and 'pinchar' because both can refer to clicking. Remember that 'pulsar' is the more general and neutral term for clicking on a computer interface, while 'pinchar' carries a slightly more negative or sharp connotation, like pricking yourself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.