Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| exprimir | /eɡspɾiˈmiɾ/ |
| apretar | /apɾeˈtaɾ/ |
| apremir | /apɾeˈmiɾ/ |
| espichar | /espiˈt͡ʃaɾ/ |
| despichar | /despit͡ʃaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| apañuscar | /apaɲuskaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
While the general concept is to apply pressure from multiple sides, the specific Spanish word you choose depends on your goal. Use exprimir when you are squeezing something to extract a liquid, such as juice. It can also be used metaphorically to describe squeezing every last bit of value out of a person or a situation. If you are simply applying pressure, gripping something tightly or making something feel tight, use apretar.
Which one should you use?
Use exprimir specifically when the goal of the action is to extract juice or liquid from something. In contrast, use apretar when the goal is to apply pressure, grip an object or make something feel tight.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use presionar or estrujar to mean squeeze. In certain Latin American dialects, the colloquial term espichar is often used to mean squeezing or crushing something. Other regional variations include despichar and apañuscar.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspɾiˈmiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word apretar comes from the Latin word pectus, meaning 'chest'. This suggests the original idea of the word was to press something against the chest.
- While exprimir is the standard term for extracting juice, using it to describe a person's effort often implies they are being exploited or overworked.
- Using espichar in some Latin American countries can mean not just to squeeze, but to completely flatten or deflate something, like a soda can.
Examples in context
- Intentó exprimir el jugo de la naranja.She tried to squeeze the juice from the orange.This sentence shows how to use exprimir when extracting juice from fruit.Tatoeba #5157315 by don_ramon, translation #410513 by CK
- Exprimiré limones toda la tarde si es necesario.I'll squeeze lemons all afternoon if it's necessary.This sentence demonstrates the use of exprimir for squeezing lemons.Tatoeba #1247975 by marcelostockle, translation #1247983 by marcelostockle
- Ella apretó mi mano.She Squeezed My Hand.
- Tienes que exprimir el tubo para que salga la crema.You have to squeeze the tube to get the cream out.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are in the kitchen preparing a dessert.
- DanielLucía, ¿puedes ayudarme con este tubo de crema?Lucía, can you help me with this cream tube?
- LucíaClaro, hay que exprimirlo con mucha fuerza.Sure, you have to squeeze it with a lot of force.
- DanielEs difícil exprimirlo sin que se derrame.It is hard to squeeze it without it spilling.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, yo lo haré con cuidado.Don't worry, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squeeze” translations and entries exprimir, apretar, apremir, espichar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apretar, espichar, exprimir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
