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How to Say "to pressure" in Spanish

English → Spanish

presionar

/pre-syo-NAR//pɾesjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'presionar' when talking about social or psychological influence, like convincing someone or creating a sense of urgency without direct physical force.
A small, nervous-looking bird being surrounded by several larger birds all leaning in towards it.

Examples

Mi jefe me está presionando para terminar el proyecto hoy.

My boss is pressuring me to finish the project today.

Los sindicatos están presionando al gobierno.

The unions are pressuring the government.

Pressuring someone to do something

When you pressure someone 'to do' something, Spanish uses 'para que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Me presionan para que vaya' (They pressure me to go).

apretar

ah-pree-EH-tah/aˈpɾjeta/

verbB1general
Use 'apretar' when the pressure involves a more direct, forceful demand, often related to meeting a deadline or completing a task with urgency.
A person looking at a huge stack of papers on a desk while a hand points at a clock-less wall.

Examples

Mi jefe me aprieta para que termine el proyecto hoy.

My boss is pressuring me to finish the project today.

Apretar vs. Presionar

Learners often confuse 'apretar' and 'presionar'. Remember that 'presionar' is more about influence and urgency, while 'apretar' implies a more direct, forceful push to get something done.

Related Translations

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