Pulsar vs. apretar vs. presionar vs. oprimir

Word practice demo
In Spanish, there are several verbs used to express the action of 'pushing' or 'pressing a button'. The most common ones are 'pulsar', 'apretar', 'presionar', and 'oprimir'. While they all can denote similar actions, they have subtle differences in usage and context.

Pulsar

The verb 'pulsar' often refers to lightly pressing something, usually a button or key. It suggests a brief or light touch.
Pulsé el botón para encender la computadora.
(I pressed the button to turn on the computer.)
Para tomar una foto, solo necesitas pulsar este botón.
(To take a photo, you just need to press this button.)

Apretar

'Apretar' generally means to squeeze or press something with force. It is often used when more pressure is applied.
Tienes que apretar bien el freno para que funcione.
(You have to press the brake hard for it to work.)
Apreté el botón con fuerza pero no pasó nada.
(I pressed the button hard but nothing happened.)

Presionar

'Presionar' is similar to both 'pulsar' and 'apretar' but tends to imply a steady or continuous pressure rather than a quick push.
Presiona el botón de inicio para iniciar el programa.
(Press the start button to launch the program.)
Presioné la tecla durante unos segundos.
(I pressed the key for a few seconds.)

Oprimir

'Oprimir' can be used similarly to 'presionar', often implying sustained pressure. It can also carry connotations of oppression or suppression in other contexts.
Para hacer una llamada de emergencia, oprime este botón.
(To make an emergency call, press this button.)
Oprimí las teclas incorrectas y se borró todo.
(I pressed the wrong keys and everything was deleted.)

Summary

While 'pulsar', 'apretar', 'presionar', and 'oprimir' can all be translated as 'to push' or 'to press', they each have nuanced uses. 'Pulsar' usually implies a light, quick touch; 'apretar' signifies squeezing or pushing with force; 'presionar' suggests steady, continuous pressure; and 'oprimir' can imply both sustained pressure and have additional meanings related to oppression.