How to Say "to stress" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to stress” is “enfatizar” — use 'enfatizar' when you want to clearly state that you are giving special importance or attention to a particular point, often to make sure it is understood..
enfatizar
/en-fah-tee-SAHR//eɱfatiˈsaɾ/
Examples
Quiero enfatizar que este paso es muy importante.
I want to emphasize that this step is very important.
El informe enfatiza los beneficios de la nueva dieta.
The report highlights the benefits of the new diet.
El director enfatizó la necesidad de trabajar en equipo.
The director stressed the need for teamwork.
The 'Z' to 'C' Spelling Rule
When the verb ends in '-zar', the 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it's followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense and in all forms of the subjunctive.
No Preposition Needed
In English, we sometimes say 'emphasize on,' but in Spanish, you go straight to the object. Use 'enfatizar algo' directly.
Don't add 'en'
Mistake: “Quiero enfatizar en el problema.”
Correction: Quiero enfatizar el problema. Spanish doesn't use the word 'on' (en) after this verb.
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo enfatizé la idea.”
Correction: Yo enfaticé la idea. Remember that 'z' always turns into 'c' before the letter 'e'.
subrayar
/soo-brah-yahr//subraˈʝar/
Examples
El director subrayó la necesidad de trabajar en equipo.
The director emphasized the need for teamwork.
Quiero subrayar que este es solo el primer paso.
I want to highlight that this is only the first step.
El informe subraya los riesgos del cambio climático.
The report stresses the risks of climate change.
Figurative Meaning
Just like in English, 'underlining' a point means you are making it stand out metaphorically, even if you aren't using a pen.
recalcar
/reh-kahl-KAHR//re.kalˈkaɾ/
Examples
Quiero recalcar que esta es una oportunidad única.
I want to emphasize that this is a unique opportunity.
El director recalcó la importancia de trabajar en equipo.
The director stressed the importance of working as a team.
No hace falta que lo recalques, ya lo entendí.
You don't need to stress it, I already understood.
Spelling Change Alert
When you say 'I emphasized' (recalqué), the 'c' changes to 'qu'. This is just to keep the hard 'K' sound, because in Spanish, 'ce' would sound like 'se'.
Using it with 'que'
If you want to emphasize a full sentence or idea, follow 'recalcar' with the word 'que' (e.g., Recalco que es tarde).
Avoiding 'sobre'
Mistake: “Él recalcó sobre la importancia.”
Correction: Él recalcó la importancia. In Spanish, you emphasize 'the thing' directly, without adding 'on' or 'over'.
incidir
/een-see-DEER//insiˈðiɾ/
Examples
Quisiera incidir en un punto importante antes de terminar.
I would like to emphasize an important point before finishing.
El autor incide en la necesidad de proteger el medio ambiente.
The author highlights the need to protect the environment.
Focusing on a topic
Just like the 'impact' meaning, when you want to say you are emphasizing something, you use 'incidir en'. Example: 'Quiero incidir en esto' (I want to stress this).
resaltar
/rre-sal-TAR//resalˈtaɾ/
Examples
El profesor resaltó los errores más comunes.
The teacher highlighted the most common mistakes.
Quiero resaltar que esta es una oportunidad única.
I want to emphasize that this is a unique opportunity.
Puedes usar negrita para resaltar las palabras clave.
You can use bold to highlight the keywords.
Pointing to Ideas
When using this word to point out a fact, you usually follow it with 'que' and then the full thought you want to emphasize.
Highlighting text vs items
Mistake: “Subrayar la importancia.”
Correction: Resaltar la importancia. While both are used, 'resaltar' is slightly more common for abstract ideas.
Choosing Between Similar Verbs
Related Translations
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