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"Presionar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to put pressure on", and "marcar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to mark". Learn more about the difference between "presionar" and "marcar" below.
presionar(
preh
-
syoh
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to compel)
a. to put pressure on
Tenemos que presionar a las autoridades para que provean más seguridad.We need to put pressure on the authorities to provide more security.
b. to pressure (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La guerrilla presiona a los campesinos para que salgan de sus tierras.The guerrillas are pressuring farmers to leave their lands.
c. to pressurize (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La junta directiva presionó al presidente de la corporación para que renunciara.The Board of Directors pressurized the corporation's CEO to resign.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
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.