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"Oprimir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to oppress", and "marcar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to mark". Learn more about the difference between "oprimir" and "marcar" below.
oprimir(
oh
-
pree
-
meer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to oppress
El pueblo estaba oprimido por sus propios gobernantes.The people were oppressed by their own rulers.
2. (to push)
a. to press (a button or a key)
Mantenga oprimido el botón hasta que se encienda la luz verde.Keep the button pressed until the green light comes on.
a. to press
Oprima suavemente el envase para que caiga una sola gota en el ojo.Press the container gently to release one drop into your eye.
b. to squeeze
Me oprimió la mano con firmeza y me dijo que podía contar con ella.She squeezed my hand firmly and told me I could count on her.
a. to be too tight
Esta camisa me oprime un poco el cuello.This shirt is a bit too tight round my neck.
a. to weigh down
La tristeza de verlo así me oprimía el corazón.Seeing him like that, weighed my heart down with sadness.
marcar(
mahr
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to mark
Marca la respuesta que consideres correcta.Mark the response that you consider to be correct.
2. (to show)
b. to mark
El letrero marca dónde se puede estacionar en la calle.The sign marks where you can park on the street.
4. (colloquial) (telecommunications) (Colombia) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Mexico
5. (sports)
a. to score (points, goals)
Mi jugador favorito marcó tres goles ayer.My favorite player scored three goals yesterday.
b. to cover (another player)
Tengo que marcar al jugador más rápido de su equipo.I have to cover the fastest player on their team.
marcarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to show
Este vestido es tan apretado que se me marca la ropa interior.This dress is so tight my underwear shows.
b. to stand out
Cuando levanta pesas se le marcan rápidamente los músculos.When she lifts weights, her muscles quickly stand out.
