How to Say "to press" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to press” is “apretar” — use 'apretar' when referring to pressing buttons, keys on a keyboard, or triggers on a device..
apretar
/ah-preh-tahr//apreˈtaɾ/
Examples
Tienes que apretar el botón rojo para empezar.
You have to press the red button to start.
Estos zapatos me aprietan mucho.
These shoes are very tight on me (they squeeze me).
Aprieta el tornillo con el destornillador.
Tighten the screw with the screwdriver.
The Spelling Change
This verb is a 'stem-changer.' The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' when you stress it (like 'aprieto'), but stays as 'e' when the ending is stressed (like 'apretamos').
Don't forget the 'ie'
Mistake: “yo apreto”
Correction: yo aprieto - Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms.
presionar
/pre-syo-NAR//pɾesjoˈnaɾ/
Examples
Presiona el botón verde para encender la máquina.
Press the green button to turn on the machine.
Tienes que presionar con fuerza para que pegue bien.
You have to press hard so it sticks well.
Presionar vs. Empujar
Use 'presionar' when you are pushing down on something or pushing a button. Use 'empujar' when you are pushing an object to move it away from you, like a door or a cart.
Don't 'Squeeze' Buttons
Mistake: “Using 'apretar' for every button.”
Correction: While 'apretar' is used, 'presionar' or 'pulsar' is often more precise for electronic buttons.
Apretar vs. Presionar
Related Translations
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