The Verb: "Press"

Question

I've heard the following via automated voice messages, as an option for the Spanish-speaking community: "Para continuar en español, pulse dos." AND! "Para español, presione dos."

I noticed two things with the above sentences, which convey the same message: 1) two different verbs are used to translate "press", the verbs: "pulsar" and "presionar", and 2) the two verbs are in present-subjunctive form. This brings me to asking the following questions: Which verb is most COMMONLY used, or is more APPROPRIATELY used in translating "press", in this particular case, as with pressing a botton? Also, why are the two verbs in present-subjunctive form? Shouldn't they be in present-INDICATIVE form? being that something factual is being conveyed?

¡Gracias por la ayuda!=)

Answer 1

Here (northwest Florida), automated systems usually say "Marque dos" (marcar) or "Oprima dos" (oprimir).

The form, which is identical to 3rd person present subjunctive, is actually (in this case) known as 2nd person formal imperative.

Answer 2

Agreed, not subjunctive just usted form. Here in Texas the verb they use is "marcar". "Para español marque el numero dos". Marcar is "to mark, indicate, score, dial"...... etc...... I think of presionar as push (a button) but I guess the dictionary here does say "press". How about that.

Answer 3

To answer one question they are in the subjunctive because that is how you conjugate verbs for an Ud. command. You conjugate the verb to the 3rd person singular subjunctive for an ud command. As for which verb is better, I am not sure, but they could mean the same thing.