The simple present tense of aplicar is used to describe actions happening in the present moment. For example, Aplico crema solar antes de salir al sol. (I apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.)

Aplicar is a regular -ar verb, which means its conjugations follow the typical pattern for verbs ending in -ar in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Aplicar (to apply) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Aplicar generally means to apply or put into practice, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To apply or put into practice: for example, Aplico las reglas de la casa con mis hijos. (I apply the house rules with my children.)

To use or employ: for example, El médico aplica una inyección al paciente. (The doctor applies an injection to the patient.)

To attribute or ascribe: for example, No le aplico esa intención maliciosa. (I don’t apply that malicious intention to him/her.)

To dedicate or focus (colloquial): for example, Me aplico al estudio para aprobar el examen. (I apply myself to studying to pass the exam.)

To hit or strike (rude, colloquial): for example, Si no te callas, te aplico una bofetada. (If you don’t shut up, I’ll apply a slap to you.)

Examples

Examples of Aplicar in the Present Tense

Yo aplico los conocimientos que aprendí en la universidad. (I apply the knowledge I learned in university.)

Tú aplicas demasiado maquillaje por las mañanas. (You apply too much makeup in the mornings.)

Ella aplica las técnicas de relajación antes de una presentación importante. (She applies relaxation techniques before an important presentation.)

Nosotros aplicamos los valores que nos enseñaron nuestros padres. (We apply the values our parents taught us.)

Ellos aplican las reglas de manera estricta en el trabajo. (They apply the rules strictly at work.)

En este restaurante, aplican un cargo adicional por el servicio. (At this restaurant, they apply an additional charge for service.)

Mi amiga aplica para todos los trabajos que le interesan. (My friend applies for all the jobs she’s interested in.)

Los niños aplican lo que aprenden en la escuela en su vida diaria. (The children apply what they learn at school in their daily lives.)

Mis compañeros de trabajo aplican las nuevas políticas de la empresa. (My coworkers apply the company’s new policies.)

En esta tienda, aplican un descuento para estudiantes. (At this store, they apply a student discount.)

Mis padres aplican las mismas reglas para todos sus hijos. (My parents apply the same rules for all their children.)

Los atletas aplican técnicas de visualización antes de competir. (Athletes apply visualization techniques before competing.)

En esta empresa, aplican un sistema de incentivos para motivar a los empleados. (At this company, they apply an incentive system to motivate employees.)

Los artistas aplican diferentes técnicas para crear sus obras. (Artists apply different techniques to create their works.)

En esta escuela, aplican un enfoque innovador para la enseñanza. (At this school, they apply an innovative approach to teaching.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Aplicar (to apply) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.