presión
/pɾeˈsjon/feminine
The English word 'pressure' is translated into Spanish as presión.
presión is a noun meaning a contrasting force or impulse of any kind. You can use the phrase presión de grupo to talk about peer pressure, or presión de responsabilidades to express the pressure resulting from obligations. In a medical context, when referring specifically to blood pressure, speakers typically use the definite article to say la presión.
Meaning: a contrasting force or impulse of any kind (noun)
Which one should you use?
presión is the noun used to describe the concept of pressure, whereas presionar is the related verb used to express the action of exerting that pressure or influencing someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
presión is a feminine noun, which means any adjectives describing it must use feminine endings, such as alta presión (high pressure).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeˈsjon/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says me subió la presión, they aren't just talking about a medical reading but are describing a sudden state of anger or extreme stress.
- In a legal or political sense, 'pressure' is often expressed as coacción, which carries a much stronger nuance of illegal or forceful coercion than the neutral presión.
- The Spanish word presión is a direct descendant of the Latin pressiōnem, which comes from the verb premō meaning 'to press'.
Examples in context
- Tengo la presión baja.I have low blood pressure.This sentence is useful for describing having low blood pressure using presión.Tatoeba #1068594 by hayastan, translation #257206 by sacredceltic
- Él cedió a la presión.He yielded to pressure.This sentence is useful for describing yielding to pressure using presión.Tatoeba #5863837 by albrusgher, translation #293491 by CM
- Déjame tomarte la presión.Let me take your blood pressure.This sentence is useful for the action of taking blood pressure using presión.Tatoeba #2758530 by Leono, translation #238765 by CK
- El estrés laboral puede generar mucha presión en los empleados.Work-related stress can generate a lot of pressure on employees.
- El tiempo límite para la entrega del proyecto genera una gran tensión.The deadline for project delivery creates a lot of pressure.
- No quiero apurarte, pero tenemos poco tiempo para terminar esto.I don't want to pressure you, but we have little time to finish this.
- El agobio de las responsabilidades familiares puede generar mucha presión.The burden of family responsibilities can create a lot of pressure.
- Me siento presionado por las expectativas de los demás.I feel pressured by the expectations of others.
- Es importante ser consciente de la presión de grupo y tener la confianza para tomar decisiones propias.It's important to be aware of peer pressure and have the confidence to make your own decisions.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a difficult project at work.
- JavierSiento mucha presión con este proyecto.I feel a lot of pressure with this project.
- ElenaNo dejes que la presión te afecte, Javier.Don't let the pressure affect you, Javier.
- JavierEs difícil trabajar bajo tanta presión.It is difficult to work under so much pressure.
- ElenaConfío en que podrás manejar la presión.I trust that you will be able to handle the pressure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pressure” translations and entries presión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries presión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
