apretar
/apɾeˈtaɾ/
To tighten in Spanish is apretar.
The verb apretar is used to mean making something tighter. However, it is also the standard verb used for 'to squeeze' or 'to press', such as when squeezing a lemon or pressing a button. In an idiomatic sense, the phrase apretar el cinturón means to tighten one's belt, referring to cutting expenses or living more frugally.
Meaning: to make tighter (verb)
Which one should you use?
While apretar is the common term for tightening, you might use ajustar when referring to adjusting something to fit more precisely, such as a mechanism or a piece of clothing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle apretado can function as an adjective meaning 'tight' or 'constricted'.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾeˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word apretar is derived from the Latin word pectus, meaning 'chest'. This links the act of tightening or squeezing to the physical pressure felt on the chest.
- The phrase estoy apretado can be used in certain regions to mean 'I am broke', suggesting that one's finances are stretched too tight.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, if someone says no me aprietes, they could be asking you not to squeeze them physically or not to pressure them emotionally.
Examples in context
- Debes apretar el nudo.You must tighten the knot.This sentence shows how to use apretar with a knot.Tatoeba #3876792 by SrTortuga, translation #3823218 by CK
- Tengo que apretar estos tornillos.I have to tighten these bolts.This sentence shows how to use apretar with bolts.Tatoeba #1745376 by marcelostockle, translation #1745128 by Amastan
- Los negocios pequeños tendrán que apretarse el cinturón para sobrevivir.Small businesses will have to tighten their belts to survive.This sentence shows the idiomatic use of apretar in the phrase 'apretarse el cinturón' to mean cutting expenses.Tatoeba #1595008 by teskmon, translation #277522 by CM
- El carpintero debe apretar los tornillos firmemente antes de terminar el mueble.The carpenter must tighten the screws firmly before finishing the furniture.
- Por favor, ajuste el cinturón de seguridad.Please tighten the seatbelt.
- Espero no apretar demasiado fuerte, pero necesito ajustar el tornillo.I hope I'm not tightening too hard, but I need to tighten the screw.
- Cierra bien la tapa del frasco para que no se estropee la comida.Tighten the jar lid well so that the food doesn't spoil.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are setting up a small table outdoors.
- AlejandroSofía, la pata de la mesa baila.Sofía, the table leg is wobbling.
- SofíaEs porque hay que apretar el soporte.It is because the support needs to be tightened.
- AlejandroDame la llave para apretarlo yo.Give me the wrench to tighten it myself.
- SofíaAquí tienes, Alejandro, ten cuidado.Here you go, Alejandro, be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tighten” translations and entries apretar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apretar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
