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"Aplica" is a form of "aplicar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to apply". "No aplica" is a phrase which is often translated as "he doesn't apply". Learn more about the difference between "no aplica" and "aplica" below.
no aplica(
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ah
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)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. he doesn't apply (masculine)
¿Pero tú viste el vídeo del masajista? No aplica la loción así.But have you seen the masseur's video? He doesn't apply the lotion like that.
b. she doesn't apply (feminine)
No aplica el maquillaje con la mano, sino con una esponjita.She doesn't apply the makeup with her hand, but with a little sponge instead.
c. doesn't apply
La enfermera no aplica la crema en toda la rodilla, solo en la herida.The nurse doesn't apply the cream on the whole knee, just on the wound.
2. (formal) (don't put a substance on; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you don't apply
Si no aplica la crema bronceadora uniformemente por todo el cuerpo, le saldrán manchas.If you don't apply the suntan lotion evenly all over your body, you'll get patches.
a. he doesn't apply (masculine)
Como juez, es muy flexible. No aplica la ley al pie de la letra.As a judge, he's very flexible. He doesn't apply the law to the letter.
b. she doesn't apply (feminine)
Luisa sabe mucho, pero luego no aplica lo que sabe a la vida práctica.Luisa knows a lot, but then she doesn't apply what she knows to everyday life.
c. it doesn't apply
El comité es el que decide, y a veces no aplica una regla si no lo considera oportuno.The commettee decides, and sometimes it doesn't apply a rule if it doen't think it appropriate.
d. doesn't apply
Si el gobierno no aplica pronto nuevas medidas, el país podría sumirse en el caos.If the government doesn't apply new measures soon, the country could plunge into chaos.
4. (formal) (don't implement; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you don't apply
Si no aplica una estrategia distinta, su proyecto está abocado al fracaso.If you don't apply a different strategy, your project is doomed to failure.
aplicar(
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)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to apply
Aplique la loción en el brazo y extiéndala de manera uniforme.Apply the lotion to your arm and spread it evenly.
b. to put on
La maquilladora aplica maquillaje a los actores antes de la filmación.The makeup assistant puts makeup on the actors before shooting.
c. to give
Aplica una segunda capa de pintura a la mesa y déjala secar.Give the table a second coat of paint and let it dry.
d. to administer
Para este tipo de cirugía tenemos que aplicar anestesia.For this type of surgery, we need to administer an anesthetic.
a. to apply
Vamos a aplicar un nueva estrategia para obtener mejores resultados.We're going to apply a new strategy to achieve better results.
b. to put into practice
En la sala de emergencias aplicas lo que aprendiste en clase.In the emergency room, you put into practice what you've learned in school.
c. to use (a method or a technique)
El método aplicado resultó ser el más efectivo.The method used proved to be the most effective.
d. to impose (punishment)
El juez aplicó fuertes sanciones por comercio ilegal.The judge imposed strict sanctions for illegal commerce.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to send a request) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to apply
No cumplo los requisitos necesarios para aplicar a una beca en Harvard.I don't meet the requirements to apply for a scholarship at Harvard.
aplicarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to apply oneself
Tengo que aplicarme en los estudios si quiero graduarme el año que viene.I have to apply myself to my studies if I want to graduate next year.
