How to Say "to subdue" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to subdue” is “someter” — use 'someter' when you want to express overpowering or bringing someone or something under control, often through military or physical force..
someter
/so-meh-TEHR//someˈteɾ/
Examples
Los conquistadores sometieron a las tribus locales.
The conquerors subdued the local tribes.
El ejército sometió a la ciudad rebelde tras un largo sitio.
The army subdued the rebel city after a long siege.
Es difícil someter los impulsos naturales con pura voluntad.
It is difficult to bring natural impulses under control with pure willpower.
La policía logró someter al sospechoso sin usar violencia.
The police managed to overpower the suspect without using violence.
Using 'a' with People
Since this word usually involves doing something to a person or group, you must use the 'personal a'. For example: 'Sometieron a los enemigos' (They subdued the enemies).
Confusing with 'Submitting' Homework
Mistake: “Sometí mi tarea ayer.”
Correction: Entregué mi tarea ayer.
oprimir
/oh-pree-MEER//o.pɾiˈmiɾ/
Examples
El régimen autoritario oprimía a sus ciudadanos con impuestos excesivos.
The authoritarian regime subdued its citizens with excessive taxes.
El gobierno oprime a la oposición.
The government oppresses the opposition.
Nadie tiene derecho a oprimir a otro ser humano.
Nobody has the right to oppress another human being.
La pobreza oprime a muchas familias en esta región.
Poverty weighs down many families in this region.
The Personal 'a'
When 'oprimir' means to oppress a person or group, you must use the word 'a' before the victim: 'Oprimir a la gente'.
Dropping the 'a'
Mistake: “El rey oprimía los campesinos.”
Correction: El rey oprimía A los campesinos. We use 'a' when the object of the action is a person.
Oprimir vs. Someter
Related Translations
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