aplicar

to apply

aplicar(ah-plee-kahr)

transitive verb

1. (to put a substance on)

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.

2. (to implement)

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.

intransitive verb

3. (to send a request)

(Latin America)

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

pronominal verb

4. (to work hard)

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.