aplícala

Aplícala is an affirmative tú command in Spanish formed from the verb aplicar plus the feminine direct object pronoun "la." It literally means "apply it" and is used when instructing someone to apply a feminine noun, such as una crema o una solución. The phrase is common in instructions for cosmetics, medicines, cooking, cleaning, and other contexts where a feminine item is being directed to be applied.

Orthography and pronunciation are notable because the accent on the í marks the intended stress when the pronoun is attached. Aplícala is pronounced with the stress on the syllable that contains "pli," even after the pronoun is added, which is required by Spanish accentuation rules for affixed commands.

Usage and examples illustrate its practical function. Examples include: "Aplica la crema sobre la piel" or more compactly, "Aplícala dos veces al día" (referring to the feminine object previously mentioned). Another example: "Para la zona irritada, aplícala después de lavarla" where "la" refers to the feminine item in question. In many contexts, speakers may also say "Aplíquela" to address someone formally (usted), or "no la apliques" for the negative form.

Variations and related forms include masculine and formal equivalents, such as "aplícalo" for a masculine object or "aplíquela" when addressing someone formally (usted). The general rule applies to other pronouns as well (lo, la, los, las) and to other tenses and moods with corresponding pronouns.

See also: imperative mood in Spanish, clitic pronouns, orthography of accent marks in verbs.