oprimir vs apretar

Question

I am a bit confused over the use of these two verbs.

In another thread, I was corrected for using the verb "oprimir" in the context of "pressing a button." The corrected version, used the verb "apretar."

3) If I press this button what will happen?

Si oprimo aprieto este botón ¿qué pasará?

My confusion lies in the fact that I have frequently seen and heard the verb "oprimir" used in this context (computer instructions, automated phone instructions, the automated instructions at the grocery store in the "self-checkout" line, instruction manuals for various devices such as watches, remote controls, dvrs etc).

For example, here it is used in instructions for programming a remote control:

Oprima sin soltar el botón CODE SEARCH (búsqueda de códigos) hasta que el indicador rojo permanezca encendido, y enseguida suelte el botón.

Now it would not surprise me in the least if these were simply poor translations of instructions originally written in another language. It would also not surprise me if I had simply been misinterpreting this word all this time, but I was wondering if this discrepancy might not also possibly be attributable to a regional variation in usage (it might help to mention that I live in Southeast Texas).

In short, I was just wondering if anyone (especially from Mexico or Central America) might be familiar with the use of "oprimir" in this context, and if so then what is the difference between the two (oprimir and apretar). Any thoughts or advice on this matter are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any and all help

Answer 1

Well, yes, oprimir is most used in signs and instructions and labels, but in that sense apretar, oprimir and even presionar can be used interchangeably.

I use more "apretar" and "presionar" when I am talking about a button and things like that , actually I can understand perfectly "oprimir" but I never use it, I mean, even when it's very familiar to me.

Apretar is also used as, for example, (to tight?) a belt or underwear, something like this.

Se me está cayendo el pantalón, voy a apretar el cinturón. (my pants are falling, I will (tight?) the belt.

Mi calzoncillo está muy apretado. (my underwear is (tight?)).

Do you use the word tight to describe situations like that Izan?.

You shouldn't have been corrected, it was correct. - Dakie, Mar 5, 2011

I will tighten the belt (verb) tight underwear (adjective) - 0074b507, Mar 5, 2011

Oh thanks gfreed, that's very helpful. :) - Dakie, Mar 5, 2011

Thank you, Dakie....and it seems that qfreed has already answered your question regarding the use of "tight" in English :) - Izanoni1, Mar 5, 2011

Yes, thanks anyway, I hope to have helped you. :) - Dakie, Mar 5, 2011

Yes. You certainly have :) - Izanoni1, Mar 5, 2011

Answer 2

From the Real Academia de la Lengua Española:

oprimir. (Del lat. opprim?re). 1. tr. Ejercer presión sobre algo. (To press something down)

It is perfectly correct to say Oprimir un botón.

Thanks you, Renzo. :) - Izanoni1, Mar 5, 2011

Small quibble. That was the second, not the first, R A E entry for "oprimir". - samdie, Mar 5, 2011

Answer 3

Thing is that oprimir = press and apretar = press or squeeze

Thank you , Chileno. - Izanoni1, Mar 5, 2011