Inklingo

How to Say "to urge" in Spanish

English → Spanish

presionar

/pre-syo-NAR//pɾesjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'presionar' when you want to describe the act of strongly encouraging or putting pressure on someone to do something, often in a professional or goal-oriented context.
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 urging involves a more direct and insistent demand, implying a stronger, almost forceful push towards a specific action.
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 pushing me hard to finish the project today.

Confusing 'presionar' and 'apretar'

Learners often confuse these because both imply pressure. Remember that 'presionar' is more about encouragement and meeting goals, while 'apretar' suggests a more forceful, insistent demand.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.