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B1 verb #5,000 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

reprimir

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Erklärung reprimir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use 'reprimir' yourself, but you might encounter it in simple stories. It means 'to stop' something from coming out, like a cry or a laugh. Think of it as a very strong 'no' that you say to your own feelings. For example, if you are in a quiet place and want to laugh, you try to 'reprimir' that laugh. In English, we say 'hold it in'. At this level, just remember that 'reprimir' is about keeping things inside and not letting them show. It is a regular verb, so it follows the same patterns as 'vivir' or 'escribir'. You might see it in a sentence like 'No llores, reprime tu dolor' (Don't cry, hold in your pain), although this is quite advanced for A1. The most important thing is to recognize the 're-' part, which often means doing something back or again, and the 'primir' part which is like 'press'. So, you are pressing something back down. It is a useful word to know when people talk about feelings, even if you just use 'parar' or 'no hacer' for now. Try to imagine a lid on a box; 'reprimir' is the act of pushing that lid down so nothing escapes.

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to talk more about your feelings and daily reactions. 'Reprimir' is a great word to add to your vocabulary for these situations. It is more specific than 'parar' (to stop). You use 'reprimir' when you are trying to control an impulse. For example, 'Reprimí mi risa en clase' (I suppressed my laugh in class). This shows a higher level of Spanish than just saying 'No me reí'. It describes the *effort* you made to not laugh. You can also use it for physical things like 'reprimir un bostezo' (to suppress a yawn). At this level, you should also notice the reflexive form 'reprimirse'. This means 'to hold oneself back'. For instance, 'Me reprimí de comer el pastel' (I held myself back from eating the cake). This is very common when talking about diets or habits. Notice the 'de' after 'reprimirse'. It is a key part of the structure. Even though it is a B1 word, using it correctly at A2 will make you sound very advanced and precise in your descriptions of self-control.

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At the B1 level, 'reprimir' becomes a core part of your vocabulary for discussing social issues and complex psychological states. You are now expected to understand its use in news reports, such as 'La policía reprimió la manifestación' (The police suppressed the protest). This is a very common context in Spanish-speaking media. You should also be comfortable using 'reprimir' to discuss emotional health. For example, you might say, 'Es malo reprimir los sentimientos porque causa estrés' (It is bad to repress feelings because it causes stress). This level requires you to understand the difference between 'reprimir' (the action on something else) and 'reprimirse' (the action on yourself). You will also start to see the noun form 'represión' (repression) in historical or political contexts. B1 learners should practice using 'reprimir' with abstract nouns like 'deseos', 'impulsos', and 'emociones'. It is a versatile verb that helps you move away from simple descriptions toward more nuanced explanations of human behavior and societal control. Remember that it is a transitive verb, so it needs an object: What are you repressing? Your anger? Your words? A rebellion? Being specific is key at this stage.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'reprimir' with high precision and in a variety of registers. You will encounter it in literature and formal essays where the nuances of suppression are explored. For instance, you might discuss how a character 'reprime sus instintos' (represses their instincts) to fit into a conservative society. You should also be aware of its synonyms and how they differ. For example, why use 'reprimir' instead of 'sofocar' or 'cohibir'? 'Reprimir' suggests a more systematic or psychological containment. You will also see it used in more technical contexts, such as 'reprimir el sistema inmunológico' (to suppress the immune system) in medical articles. At B2, you should be able to use the past participle 'reprimido' as an adjective to describe people or societies (e.g., 'una sociedad reprimida'). You are also expected to handle the reflexive 'reprimirse de + infinitive' fluently in conversation. For example, 'A pesar de su enfado, se reprimió de insultarlo'. This shows a sophisticated command of both grammar and social nuance. You can now use this word to debate topics like freedom of speech, historical memory, and psychological well-being, providing detailed and well-structured arguments.

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For C1 learners, 'reprimir' is a tool for subtle expression and deep analysis. You should understand its historical weight in the context of Spanish and Latin American dictatorships, where 'la represión' is a heavy and specific term. In your own writing and speaking, you can use 'reprimir' to describe delicate social balances or complex internal conflicts. You might analyze how a text uses the verb to signify a lack of agency or the presence of an overbearing authority. You should also be familiar with more obscure collocations and idiomatic uses. At this level, you can use 'reprimir' to discuss the suppression of evidence in a legal case or the suppression of a gene in biological research. Your use of 'reprimir' should reflect an understanding of its power dynamics. For example, 'El autor utiliza la metáfora del muro para mostrar cómo el estado intenta reprimir la identidad cultural'. You should also be able to distinguish between 'reprimir' and 'oprimir' (to oppress) with ease, recognizing that while they often go together, 'reprimir' is the active stopping of an action, while 'oprimir' is the constant state of being weighed down. Your mastery of this word allows you to engage in high-level academic and professional discourse with confidence.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'reprimir' and all its connotations. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from psychoanalysis (Freudian repression) to advanced political science. You understand the etymological roots (from Latin 'reprimere') and how they influence its current usage across different Spanish-speaking regions. You can identify when the word is being used ironically or with specific rhetorical intent in political speeches or satirical writing. For instance, a politician might use 'reprimir' to sound 'tough on crime', while a critic might use the same word to suggest 'authoritarianism'. You can weave 'reprimir' into complex, multi-clause sentences without losing the thread of the argument. Your usage is characterized by a perfect sense of register—knowing exactly when 'reprimir' is more appropriate than 'frenar', 'contener', or 'ahogar'. You can also discuss the philosophical implications of 'reprimir', such as the tension between individual liberty and the state's need to 'reprimir' chaos. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in any given context, whether it is a formal lecture, a legal brief, or a literary masterpiece.

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Reprimir means to hold back or suppress an emotion, impulse, or physical reaction through willpower or external force.
It is commonly used in psychological contexts (repressing feelings) and political contexts (suppressing protests or rebellions).
Grammatically, it is a regular -ir verb and can be used reflexively (reprimirse) to mean restraining oneself.
It is a B1 level word that adds precision to descriptions of self-control and societal management.

The Spanish verb reprimir is a multifaceted term that primarily deals with the act of holding back, containing, or preventing the expression of something. At its core, it suggests a force applied to stop an impulse, an emotion, or a physical action. For English speakers, it translates most directly to 'to repress' or 'to suppress,' but its application varies significantly depending on the context, ranging from psychology to politics and daily social interactions.

Emotional Context: In psychological and personal settings, 'reprimir' refers to the conscious or unconscious effort to hide feelings like anger, sadness, or desire. It is often used when someone tries to maintain a 'poker face' or avoid making a scene in public.

Tuve que reprimir mis ganas de llorar durante la reunión para no parecer débil ante mis jefes.

Physical Reactions: It also applies to bodily functions or sudden impulses. If you are in a quiet library and feel a sneeze coming on, or if you find something hilariously inappropriate during a funeral, you would 'reprimir' that sneeze or that laughter.

Es muy difícil reprimir un bostezo cuando la película es tan aburrida y larga.

Political and Social Context: On a larger scale, 'reprimir' is used to describe actions taken by authorities or governments to stop protests, rebellions, or social movements. This usage carries a more serious, often negative connotation of force and control.

La policía fue enviada para reprimir la manifestación que bloqueaba la avenida principal de la ciudad.

Understanding the nuances of 'reprimir' requires recognizing whether the suppression is internal (personal feelings) or external (social control). In everyday Spanish, it is most common in discussions about self-control and emotional intelligence. When you choose not to say something hurtful to a friend, even though you are angry, you are practicing the act of 'reprimir' your words. This word is essential for B1 learners because it allows for more complex descriptions of human behavior and social dynamics beyond simple verbs like 'parar' (to stop) or 'esconder' (to hide).

A veces es necesario reprimir ciertos impulsos para mantener una buena convivencia con los demás.

Ella no pudo reprimir su alegría cuando recibió la noticia de su ascenso laboral.

In summary, 'reprimir' is your go-to word for any situation where a force—be it willpower, physical strength, or legal authority—is used to keep something under control or hidden. Whether it is a giggle in class or a political uprising, 'reprimir' captures the tension of containment.

Using reprimir correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a transitive verb. This means it usually takes a direct object—the thing that is being suppressed. However, it can also be used reflexively as 'reprimirse' when the subject is suppressing themselves or their own actions. Let's explore the various ways this verb functions in everyday Spanish sentences.

Transitive Use: Reprimir + [Noun]: This is the most common structure. You use it to indicate what specific emotion, action, or group is being held back. The object can be an abstract noun (sentimientos, deseos) or a concrete one (manifestantes, risa).

El orador tuvo que reprimir su enfado ante las preguntas impertinentes del periodista.

Reflexive Use: Reprimirse: When you use 'reprimirse', you are emphasizing that the person is holding themselves back from doing something. It is often followed by the preposition 'de' plus an infinitive verb.

Me reprimí de contestarle de mala manera porque no quería empezar una discusión innecesaria.

In Passive Contexts: In news or formal writing, you might see it in passive constructions to describe how a situation was handled. This often uses the 'se' passive or the true passive with 'ser'.

La rebelión fue reprimida rápidamente por las fuerzas de seguridad del estado.

When using 'reprimir' with emotions, it is helpful to pair it with adverbs to show the degree of suppression. Words like 'totalmente' (totally), 'parcialmente' (partially), or 'difícilmente' (hardly) add depth to your descriptions. For instance, 'difícilmente reprimió su curiosidad' suggests a great struggle to not peek or ask questions. It is also worth noting that 'reprimir' can be used with bodily functions. Unlike 'aguantar' (to endure/hold), 'reprimir' suggests a more forceful 'stopping' of the action before it even begins or while it is starting.

Es malo para la salud reprimir las emociones negativas durante mucho tiempo.

Intentó reprimir un suspiro de frustración cuando vio el tráfico en la autopista.

By mastering these sentence patterns, you can accurately convey everything from a subtle social gesture to a major historical event. Remember to check if the action is being done to something else (reprimir) or if the person is restraining themselves (reprimirse).

You will encounter the word reprimir in a variety of settings, each providing a unique flavor to its meaning. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize it naturally when listening to Spanish media or engaging in conversations. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday feelings and formal, high-stakes reporting.

News and Journalism: This is perhaps the most frequent place to hear 'reprimir' in a formal context. News anchors use it to describe government actions against civil unrest. Headlines often read 'La policía reprime la protesta' (Police suppress the protest), which carries a connotation of authority and sometimes controversy.

El noticiero informó que el ejército fue desplegado para reprimir los disturbios en la capital.

Psychology and Self-Help: In podcasts, books, or therapy sessions, 'reprimir' is used to discuss mental health. Experts talk about the dangers of 'reprimir emociones' (repressing emotions) and how it can lead to stress or physical illness. It is a central term in discussions about emotional intelligence.

Muchos psicólogos advierten que reprimir el dolor solo retrasa el proceso de sanación emocional.

Literature and Cinema: In novels and movies, particularly dramas, 'reprimir' is used to create tension between characters. A protagonist might 'reprimir un deseo' (repress a desire) or 'reprimir sus palabras' (hold back their words) to avoid conflict or protect someone.

En la novela, el héroe debe reprimir su orgullo para pedir perdón y salvar su relación.

Beyond these specific fields, you will hear 'reprimir' in everyday social commentary. Friends might say, 'No te reprimas' (Don't hold back) when encouraging someone to eat another piece of cake or to speak their mind. It is also common in educational settings when a teacher asks students to 'reprimir' certain behaviors that disrupt the class. By paying attention to these different environments, you will notice that 'reprimir' is not just a 'big' academic word, but a versatile tool for describing the human experience of restraint.

A veces, los padres tienen que reprimir sus propios miedos para dar seguridad a sus hijos.

No pude reprimir una sonrisa al ver al gatito intentando cazar su propia sombra.

In conclusion, 'reprimir' is a word you will hear whenever control and containment are discussed. Whether it is a hard-hitting news story or a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend, this verb provides the necessary precision to describe the act of keeping something inside.

While reprimir might seem straightforward because of its English cognate 'repress,' there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. These mistakes usually stem from confusing it with similar-sounding words or misapplying its reflexive form. Understanding these common errors will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Confusion with 'Presionar': English speakers sometimes use 'reprimir' when they mean 'to press' or 'to pressure' someone. Remember that 'reprimir' is about stopping an action, whereas 'presionar' is about pushing someone to do something. They are opposite forces in many ways.

Incorrecto: El jefe me reprimió para terminar el informe. (The boss repressed me to finish the report - makes no sense). Correcto: El jefe me presionó para terminar el informe.

Mistaking 'Reprimir' for 'Suprimir': While they are close, 'suprimir' usually means to eliminate, delete, or remove something entirely (like a law, a tax, or a paragraph in a text). 'Reprimir' implies the thing still exists but is being held back or kept under control.

Incorrecto: El gobierno reprimió el impuesto al azúcar. (The government repressed the sugar tax). Correcto: El gobierno suprimió el impuesto al azúcar (The government eliminated the sugar tax).

Misusing the Reflexive 'Reprimirse': Learners often forget the preposition 'de' when using the reflexive form. If you are holding yourself back from doing an action, you must say 'reprimirse de [infinitivo]'.

Incorrecto: Ella se reprimió gritar. Correcto: Ella se reprimió de gritar (She held herself back from screaming).

Another subtle mistake is using 'reprimir' for physical objects like a spring or a button. In those cases, 'comprimir' (to compress) or 'presionar' (to press) are the correct choices. 'Reprimir' is almost always used for abstract concepts, biological impulses, or groups of people. Finally, be careful with the past participle 'reprimido'. While it means 'repressed', in some contexts, it can be used as an adjective to describe a person who is very inhibited or shy, but it can also sound quite clinical or judgmental depending on the tone.

Es importante no reprimir la creatividad de los niños con reglas demasiado estrictas.

No puedes reprimir la verdad por mucho tiempo; tarde o temprano saldrá a la luz.

By avoiding these common errors, you will demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of the nuances of control and containment in Spanish. Always ask yourself: 'Am I holding something back (reprimir), or am I pushing something (presionar)?'

To truly master reprimir, it is helpful to see how it compares to its 'cousins'—words that share similar meanings but have different shades of usage. Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will allow you to be more specific in your descriptions and avoid repeating the same word too often.

Contener vs. Reprimir: 'Contener' (to contain) is often used for physical things or temporary emotional control. While 'reprimir' suggests a deeper, more forceful suppression, 'contener' is more about keeping something within bounds. You 'contener' your excitement, but you 'reprimir' a deep-seated trauma.

Ella logró contener el derrame de agua, pero tuvo que reprimir su enojo con el fontanero.

Sofocar vs. Reprimir: 'Sofocar' (to suffocate/stifle) is frequently used for fires or intense emotions like heat or rebellion. It implies cutting off the 'air' or energy of something. You 'sofocar' a fire or a revolt, which is a more aggressive form of 'reprimir'.

Los bomberos intentaron sofocar las llamas, mientras la policía intentaba reprimir a la multitud curiosa.

Frenar vs. Reprimir: 'Frenar' (to brake/slow down) is excellent for impulses or trends. If you 'frenar' a desire, you are slowing it down or stopping it momentarily. It is less clinical and more common in everyday speech than 'reprimir'.

Debes frenar tus gastos si quieres ahorrar para el viaje; no te reprimas tanto, pero sé prudente.

Other useful terms include 'sujetar' (to hold/grasp), which can be used metaphorically for emotions, and 'inhibir' (to inhibit), which is often used in scientific or highly formal contexts. For example, a medication might 'inhibir' a certain enzyme. When you choose between these words, think about the intensity: 'contener' is mild, 'frenar' is practical, 'reprimir' is forceful and psychological, and 'sofocar' is aggressive and final.

El miedo no debe reprimir tu potencial; al contrario, debe motivarte a superarte.

No es bueno reprimir la risa en momentos de felicidad pura.

By varying your use of these synonyms, you will sound more like a native speaker who understands that not every 'holding back' is the same. Use 'reprimir' when the situation feels heavy, internal, or authoritative.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'reprimir' shares the same root as 'prensa' (press), which is why we 'press' feelings down when we repress them.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /re.pɾi.ˈmiɾ/

US /re.pɾi.ˈmiɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: re-pri-MIR.

Reimt sich auf

vivir decir salir dormir sentir reír pedir venir

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 'r' as an English 'r'.
Failing to trill the initial 'r'.
Aspirating the 'p' (adding a puff of air).
Pronouncing 'i' as the 'i' in 'sit' instead of 'see'.
Stressing the second syllable instead of the third.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize as a cognate.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive 'reprimirse de' and correct direct objects.

Sprechen 4/5

The rolled 'r' and stress on the last syllable can be tricky.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'suprimir' or 'oprimir'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

parar sentir risa llanto fuerza

Als Nächstes lernen

represión oprimir suprimir cohibir sofocar

Fortgeschritten

sublimar inhibición coacción subyugar

Wichtige Grammatik

Transitive Verbs

Reprimir needs a direct object: 'Reprimo (qué?) mi risa'.

Reflexive Pronouns

Me reprimo, te reprimes, se reprime (used for self-restraint).

Preposition 'de' with Reflexives

Me reprimí DE gritar (I held back FROM screaming).

Past Participle as Adjective

Un hombre REPRIMIDO (A repressed man).

Infinitive as Subject

REPRIMIR el llanto es difícil.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

No llores, intenta reprimir tu tristeza.

Don't cry, try to repress your sadness.

Reprimir is used here as an infinitive after 'intenta'.

Él reprime su risa en el cine.

He suppresses his laugh in the cinema.

Present tense, third person singular.

Ella no puede reprimir un bostezo.

She cannot suppress a yawn.

Used with the modal 'puede'.

Yo reprimo mis ganas de comer chocolate.

I repress my desire to eat chocolate.

Present tense, first person singular.

Nosotros reprimimos el ruido.

We suppress the noise.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ellos reprimen sus gritos.

They suppress their screams.

Present tense, third person plural.

Tú reprimes tu enfado con tu hermano.

You suppress your anger with your brother.

Present tense, second person singular.

Es difícil reprimir una sonrisa.

It is difficult to suppress a smile.

Impersonal 'es difícil' + infinitive.

Me reprimí de decir la verdad.

I held myself back from telling the truth.

Reflexive 'reprimirse' in the preterite.

Ella reprimió un suspiro de cansancio.

She suppressed a sigh of tiredness.

Preterite tense.

Los niños no pudieron reprimir su alegría.

The children couldn't suppress their joy.

Preterite of 'poder' + infinitive.

Él se reprime mucho cuando está con gente nueva.

He restrains himself a lot when he is with new people.

Reflexive present tense.

No te reprimas, ¡puedes bailar!

Don't hold back, you can dance!

Negative imperative (reflexive).

Intentamos reprimir el estornudo durante el examen.

We tried to suppress the sneeze during the exam.

Preterite of 'intentar' + infinitive.

Ella siempre reprime lo que siente.

She always represses what she feels.

Present tense with 'siempre'.

Fue imposible reprimir la curiosidad.

It was impossible to suppress the curiosity.

Impersonal past 'fue' + infinitive.

La policía tuvo que reprimir la protesta violenta.

The police had to suppress the violent protest.

Used in a political/social context.

Reprimir las emociones puede ser malo para la salud.

Repressing emotions can be bad for your health.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

Él reprimió su deseo de venganza.

He suppressed his desire for revenge.

Abstract noun as direct object.

Se reprimió de participar en la discusión.

He held himself back from participating in the discussion.

Reflexive with 'de' + infinitive.

La dictadura reprimió la libertad de expresión.

The dictatorship suppressed freedom of expression.

Historical/political context.

Ella reprimió un grito de terror al ver la araña.

She suppressed a scream of terror upon seeing the spider.

Preterite tense.

Es necesario reprimir ciertos impulsos en el trabajo.

It is necessary to suppress certain impulses at work.

Impersonal phrase 'es necesario'.

No deberías reprimir tu creatividad.

You shouldn't suppress your creativity.

Conditional 'deberías' + infinitive.

El gobierno emitió una ley para reprimir el contrabando.

The government issued a law to suppress smuggling.

Formal/legal context.

Ella se reprimió de llorar a pesar del dolor profundo.

She held herself back from crying despite the deep pain.

Reflexive with 'a pesar de'.

Los recuerdos reprimidos suelen volver en los sueños.

Repressed memories usually return in dreams.

Past participle 'reprimidos' as an adjective.

El ejército reprimió duramente cualquier intento de rebelión.

The army harshly suppressed any attempt at rebellion.

Adverb 'duramente' modifying the verb.

No podemos reprimir el avance de la tecnología.

We cannot suppress the advancement of technology.

Used with an abstract social trend.

Se reprimió de responder al insulto con violencia.

He held himself back from responding to the insult with violence.

Reflexive with 'de' + infinitive.

La cultura victoriana solía reprimir los instintos naturales.

Victorian culture used to repress natural instincts.

Historical/sociological context.

Reprimir un bostezo es una señal de buena educación.

Suppressing a yawn is a sign of good manners.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

La obra explora cómo el protagonista reprime su verdadera identidad.

The work explores how the protagonist represses their true identity.

Literary analysis context.

Es imposible reprimir el flujo de información en la era digital.

It is impossible to suppress the flow of information in the digital age.

Abstract social commentary.

El trauma fue tan grande que su mente lo reprimió por años.

The trauma was so great that his mind repressed it for years.

Psychological context.

Las fuerzas del orden reprimieron el motín con gases lacrimógenos.

Law enforcement suppressed the riot with tear gas.

Specific technical context.

A menudo, el miedo al fracaso nos hace reprimir nuestras ambiciones.

Often, the fear of failure makes us suppress our ambitions.

Causative 'hacer' + infinitive.

La censura intentó reprimir la difusión de la verdad incómoda.

Censorship tried to suppress the dissemination of the uncomfortable truth.

Political/media context.

Se reprimió de intervenir en el conflicto ajeno.

He held himself back from intervening in someone else's conflict.

Reflexive with 'ajeno'.

La medicación ayuda a reprimir los síntomas de la enfermedad.

The medication helps to suppress the symptoms of the disease.

Medical context.

La hegemonía cultural busca reprimir las voces disidentes.

Cultural hegemony seeks to suppress dissident voices.

Academic/sociological context.

Su mirada gélida bastó para reprimir cualquier intento de réplica.

His icy gaze was enough to suppress any attempt at a retort.

Sophisticated narrative style.

El psicoanálisis postula que los deseos reprimidos se manifiestan en el inconsciente.

Psychoanalysis posits that repressed desires manifest in the unconscious.

Specialized scientific/philosophical context.

No se puede reprimir indefinidamente el anhelo de libertad de un pueblo.

One cannot indefinitely suppress a people's longing for freedom.

Impersonal 'se' with an adverb.

La austeridad económica suele reprimir el consumo interno.

Economic austerity usually suppresses domestic consumption.

Economic context.

Ella se reprimió de expresar su desdén ante la hipocresía reinante.

She held herself back from expressing her disdain for the prevailing hypocrisy.

Reflexive with high-level vocabulary.

El sistema inmunológico puede reprimir el crecimiento de células anómalas.

The immune system can suppress the growth of abnormal cells.

Biological/medical context.

Fue una labor titánica reprimir la marea de rumores malintencionados.

It was a titanic task to suppress the tide of malicious rumors.

Metaphorical use in formal writing.

Synonyme

Contener Sofocar Frenar Inhibir Cojibir Sujetar Ahogar Aplastar

Gegenteile

Expresar Liberar Fomentar Manifestar

Häufige Kollokationen

reprimir las emociones

reprimir una protesta

reprimir un bostezo

reprimir la risa

reprimir el llanto

reprimir un impulso

reprimir el deseo

reprimir la violencia

reprimir un suspiro

reprimir recuerdos

Häufige Phrasen

no te reprimas

— Used to encourage someone to do or say what they want without holding back.

¡Come más, no te reprimas!

reprimir por la fuerza

— To suppress something using physical violence or military power.

La huelga fue reprimida por la fuerza.

reprimir un sentimiento

— To hide a feeling so that others don't notice it.

Es difícil reprimir un sentimiento tan fuerte.

intentar reprimir

— To make an effort to hold something back.

Intentó reprimir su curiosidad.

reprimir la verdad

— To hide the truth or prevent it from being known.

No puedes reprimir la verdad para siempre.

reprimir el avance

— To stop something from progressing or moving forward.

Reprimir el avance del enemigo.

reprimir la rabia

— To hold in one's anger.

Reprimió su rabia para no gritar.

reprimir un estornudo

— To stop oneself from sneezing.

Tuvo que reprimir un estornudo en la iglesia.

reprimir la creatividad

— To stifle or limit someone's creative output.

La escuela no debe reprimir la creatividad.

reprimir el llanto

— To hold back tears.

Ella reprimió el llanto hasta llegar a casa.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

reprimir vs Oprimir

Oprimir means to oppress or physically press down, while reprimir is to hold back an impulse.

reprimir vs Suprimir

Suprimir means to eliminate or delete, while reprimir means to keep under control.

reprimir vs Reprender

Reprender means to scold or tell someone off, not to suppress.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"reprimirse las ganas"

— To hold back the desire to do something specific.

Me reprimí las ganas de decirle lo que pensaba.

Informal

"reprimir la lengua"

— To hold one's tongue; to stay silent when one wants to speak.

Tuve que reprimir la lengua para no ofenderlo.

Neutral

"reprimir el fuego"

— To suppress fire (in a military or firefighting context).

Los soldados reprimieron el fuego enemigo.

Formal

"reprimir el instinto"

— To go against one's natural gut feeling.

A veces hay que reprimir el instinto para ser racional.

Neutral

"reprimir la risa floja"

— To suppress a fit of giggles.

Fue imposible reprimir la risa floja durante el discurso.

Informal

"reprimir un grito"

— To stifle a scream or shout.

Reprimió un grito de sorpresa.

Neutral

"reprimir el dolor"

— To hide physical or emotional pain.

Reprimió el dolor para seguir jugando.

Neutral

"reprimir la curiosidad"

— To stop oneself from being nosy.

Reprimí mi curiosidad y no abrí el sobre.

Neutral

"reprimir la ambición"

— To limit one's own goals or drive.

No reprimas tu ambición, llega lejos.

Neutral

"reprimir la protesta"

— To put down a public display of disagreement.

El estado no debe reprimir la protesta pacífica.

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

reprimir vs Presionar

Similar sound and both involve 'pressing'.

Presionar is to push someone to do something; reprimir is to stop something from happening.

Me presionó para ir, pero reprimí mis ganas de salir.

reprimir vs Comprimir

Both involve reducing space or pressure.

Comprimir is for physical volume (like a file or a spring); reprimir is for impulses or people.

Comprimí el archivo, pero reprimí mi queja.

reprimir vs Deprimir

Similar prefix 're-' vs 'de-'.

Deprimir is to make sad or lower value; reprimir is to restrain.

La noticia me deprimió, así que reprimí mis lágrimas.

reprimir vs Exprimir

Rhyming endings.

Exprimir is to squeeze out (like juice); reprimir is to hold in.

Exprimí el limón y reprimí un estornudo por el olor.

reprimir vs Oprimir

Very similar meanings.

Oprimir is a constant state of burden; reprimir is the specific act of stopping an action.

El tirano oprime al pueblo y reprime las huelgas.

Satzmuster

No + reprimir + [noun]

No reprimas tu risa.

Poder + reprimir + [noun]

No pude reprimir el bostezo.

Reprimirse + de + [infinitive]

Se reprimió de llorar.

Reprimir + las emociones

Es malo reprimir las emociones.

Ser + reprimido + por

La huelga fue reprimida por la policía.

Adverb + reprimir + [abstract noun]

Difícilmente reprimió su curiosidad.

Reprimir + el avance de

Reprimir el avance del virus.

Sustantivo + reprimido

Un deseo largamente reprimido.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

represión

represor

represalia

Verben

reprimir

reprimirse

Adjektive

reprimido

represivo

irreprimible

Verwandt

prensa

presión

oprimir

suprimir

comprimir

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in psychology, politics, and literature.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'reprimir' for 'to press' a button. → Presionar un botón.
Reprimir is for abstract impulses, not physical buttons.
Saying 'se reprimió gritar'. → Se reprimió de gritar.
The reflexive form requires the preposition 'de' before an infinitive.
Confusing 'reprimir' with 'reprender'. → El profesor me reprendió.
Reprender means to scold; reprimir means to suppress.
Using 'reprimir' to mean 'to delete'. → Suprimir un párrafo.
Suprimir is for removing things; reprimir is for holding them back.
Stressing the wrong syllable. → re-pri-MIR.
Spanish verbs ending in -ir are stressed on the last syllable in the infinitive.

Tipps

Press Back

Remember 'reprimir' as 're-pressing' an emotion back into your mind so it doesn't escape.

Social Manners

Use 'reprimir' when talking about yawning, laughing, or crying in public settings to sound natural.

Reflexive Power

Use 'reprimirse' when you are the one doing the self-control. It adds a personal touch to your Spanish.

Cognate Alert

It looks like 'repress', and it often means 'repress', but remember it also covers 'suppress' in English.

News Context

When you hear 'reprimir' in the news, look for words like 'manifestación' or 'protesta' to confirm the context.

Encouragement

Say '¡No te reprimas!' to friends when you want them to be honest or to enjoy themselves.

Adverb Pairing

Combine 'reprimir' with 'difícilmente' (hardly) to show a struggle with self-control.

History

Be aware that 'la represión' is a significant term in Spanish and Latin American history books.

Mental Health

Use it to talk about the dangers of not expressing feelings: 'reprimir emociones'.

Reprimir vs Suprimir

Reprimir = hold back; Suprimir = eliminate. Don't mix them up for laws or taxes!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 're-pressing' a button. You are 'pressing back' (re-primir) your emotions so they don't pop out.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person holding a heavy lid onto a boiling pot. The pot is their feelings, and the act of holding the lid down is 'reprimir'.

Word Web

emociones protestas risa llanto deseos impulsos policía psicología

Herausforderung

Try to write a sentence about a time you had to 'reprimir' a yawn in a meeting or a laugh in a library.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'reprimere', which is composed of 're-' (back) and 'premere' (to press). It literally means 'to press back'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To hold back, check, or restrain.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using 'reprimir' when talking about sensitive historical events, as it can be politically sensitive.

English speakers use 'suppress' for physical things and 'repress' for psychological things. In Spanish, 'reprimir' covers both.

Freud's theories of 'represión' (repression) are widely studied in Spanish universities. The phrase 'la represión franquista' refers to a specific historical period in Spain. Lorca's play 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba' is a masterpiece about repressed women.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Social Situations

reprimir la risa
reprimir un bostezo
reprimirse de hablar
reprimir el enfado

Politics

reprimir la manifestación
reprimir la revuelta
fuerzas represivas
represión política

Psychology

reprimir sentimientos
recuerdos reprimidos
deseos reprimidos
reprimir traumas

Health

reprimir el sistema inmune
reprimir síntomas
reprimir el apetito
reprimir el dolor

Daily Habits

reprimirse de comer
reprimir impulsos
reprimir gastos
reprimir la curiosidad

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que reprimir la risa en un momento inapropiado?"

"¿Crees que es malo reprimir las emociones en el trabajo?"

"¿Cómo reprimes el estrés cuando tienes mucho que hacer?"

"¿Es difícil reprimir la curiosidad cuando alguien te cuenta un secreto a medias?"

"¿Qué impulsos crees que los humanos deberían reprimir más?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que reprimir tus sentimientos para no herir a alguien.

Escribe sobre un momento en el que no pudiste reprimir tu alegría y cómo reaccionaron los demás.

Reflexiona sobre cómo la sociedad nos enseña a reprimir ciertos aspectos de nuestra personalidad.

¿Qué bostezo o estornudo te resultó más difícil de reprimir en tu vida?

Escribe sobre la diferencia entre reprimir un impulso y simplemente ser disciplinado.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Reprimir is usually stronger and can be unconscious (psychological), while contener is often conscious and temporary. You 'contener' your breath, but you 'reprimir' a deep trauma.

No, for a physical button use 'presionar' or 'pulsar'. Reprimir is for abstract things or people.

Not necessarily. Reprimir a yawn or a laugh in a serious moment is considered good manners. However, in politics, it is usually negative.

Se dice 'recuerdos reprimidos'.

Se usa la preposición 'de' seguida de un infinitivo, por ejemplo: 'Se reprimió de hablar'.

Sí, para hablar de suprimir el sistema inmunológico o los síntomas de una enfermedad.

El sustantivo principal es 'represión'.

Sí, es un verbo regular de la tercera conjugación (-ir).

Se dice 'no te reprimas'.

No, lo correcto es 'suprimir un impuesto' (to eliminate a tax).

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