What does it mean word for word?
The expression ponerse las pilas literally means 'to put in one's batteries'.
Which one should you use?
While ponerse las pilas refers to the general act of getting it together, you can use the specific command ponte las pilas when telling someone directly to do so. Another related expression is Pon las pilas, which literally translates to 'put your batteries in' and is used to encourage someone to be more alert or focused.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ponerse las pilas is a colloquial expression. You may also use the informal expression Espabílate to mean 'wake up' or 'snap out of it'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase ponerse las pilas is commonly used in both Spain and Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form ponerse las pilas is used when referring to the act of getting it together in a general sense or when it follows another verb. If you are issuing a command or an imperative, use ponte las pilas.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˌneɾse las ˈpilas/
Did you know?
- The expression espabilar, which shares a similar spirit of 'waking up', is also used to describe someone who is particularly 'street smart' or savvy.
- The term pilas used in this phrase is a shortened version of pila eléctrica, which entered the language as electricity became common in the early 20th century.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word pilas can refer to a 'stack' or 'pile' of objects, such as books or papers, rather than just electrical batteries.
Examples in context
- No pierdas más tiempo, espabílate y resuelve esto de una vez.Don't waste any more time, get it together and solve this once and for all.
- Si quieres tener éxito en el examen, pon las pilas y estudia más.If you want to succeed in the exam, get it together and study more.
- Es hora de ponerse las pilas con el trabajo.It is time to get it together with work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ponerse las pilas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
