colocar en posición horizontal
/kolokaɾ en posiθjon oɾiθontal/from spelling rules
To lay flat in Spanish is colocar en posición horizontal.
The phrase colocar en posición horizontal means to place something in a horizontal position. In many practical contexts, such as laying out a map or a cloth, the single verb extender is a more natural way to express the idea of laying something flat, meaning to spread out or to lay out.
Which one should you use?
colocar en posición horizontal is a formal way to say 'lay flat', whereas extender is a more natural way to express the idea of laying something flat in many practical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
colocar en posición horizontal is an infinitive construction. It consists of the verb colocar (to place) followed by a prepositional phrase describing the orientation.
How do you pronounce it?
/kolokaɾ en posiθjon oɾiθontal/
Did you know?
- The verb colocar is a cognate of the English word 'couch'. Both share a root meaning to place or set something down.
- While colocar means to place, its doublet colgar evolved to mean 'to hang'. The two words share a common ancestor but describe opposite directions of placement.
- The verb extender is used not only for laying things flat but also for 'extending' a hand in a gesture of peace or greeting.
Examples in context
- Por favor, coloque el libro en posición horizontalPlease lay the book flat.
- Ponga el documento de forma horizontal sobre el escritorioLay the document out flat on the desk.
- Deja el dibujo plano sobre la mesaLeave the drawing flat on the table.
- Por favor, coloca el mantel en posición horizontal en la mesa.Please lay the tablecloth flat on the table.
- María dejó los mapas planos sobre su escritorio después de trabajar.María left the maps flat on her desk after working.
- Poner los cuadernos en posición horizontal ayudará a mantener las páginas en buen estado.Laying the notebooks flat will help keep the pages in good condition.
- Coloque la alfombra en posición horizontal para que no se arrugue.Lay the rug flat so that it doesn't wrinkle.
- Debes colocar en posición horizontal las piezas de madera.You must lay the wooden pieces flat.
- El técnico pudo colocar en posición horizontal el panel.The technician was able to lay the panel flat.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are organizing a new office desk.
- MateoLucía, ¿dónde pongo este monitor?Lucía, where do I put this monitor?
- LucíaPuedes colocar en posición horizontal el teclado primero.You can lay the keyboard flat first.
- MateoEstá bien, lo pondré aquí.All right, I will put it here.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colocar, en, posición, CC BY-SA 4.0.
