Spanish word

imponer

Pronunciation

IPA/impoˈneɾ/

Meaning

  • verbimpose

Example

No me impongas tus ideas.

Don't impose your ideas on me.

Illustration for imponer (impose)

More examples

El profesor no debe imponer su voluntad a los alumnos.

The teacher should not force his will on the students.

Core concept

A weight placed on someone's shoulders.

Common phrases

  • imponer reglas

    impose rules

  • imponer una multa

    levy a fine

  • imponer su voluntad

    force his will

Similar words

obligar: Compels someone into an obligation, leaving no realistic option but to comply.
presionar: Applies social or emotional pressure to push someone to change opinion or behavior.
exigir: Demands action or compliance based on a claimed right or urgent necessity.
ordenar: Issues a command using official authority to require someone to act.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer que alguien acepte una obligación, carga o norma que no desea mediante presión o autoridad.

Word origin

It comes from Latin imponere 'put on', from in- 'on' + ponere 'place', where the literal sense of placing shifted to assigning burdens or rules.

Usage tips

  • Often used for forcing obligations or rules, the verb sounds strong in Spanish, so speakers commonly soften it with conditional forms or polite words such as 'por favor'.

Other meanings

  • levyverb
  • forceverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word