pōnō
The English phrase 'put' can be translated into Latin as pōnō. Wiktionary also lists locō.
Meaning: to place something somewhere (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| pōnō |
| locō |
The verb is used to express the action of placing something somewhere.
Which one should you use?
pōnō is the standard verb used for the physical act of placing, setting or laying an object down.
How does it change in a sentence?
pōnō is the first-person singular present indicative active form, meaning 'I place'. The present infinitive form is pōnere.
Did you know?
- The word 'opponent' derives from ob- meaning 'against' and pōnere, literally meaning someone who 'puts themselves against' another.
- The Latin verb pōnere is the ancestor of the English word 'component', which literally means 'something put together'.
- The Latin word pōnō can also mean to 'stipulate' or 'decree' something, as if placing a condition upon a contract.
Examples in context
- Puella collocavit flores in vase.The girl put the flowers in the vase.
- librum in mensā pōnōI place the book on the table
- Librum in mensā pōnō.I put the book on the table.
- Vinum in vase pōnō.I put the wine in the vessel.
- Pecuniam in arca pōnō.I put the money in the chest.
Example conversation
Quintus and Aurelia are organizing a small room.
- QuintusUbi cibum pōnō?Where do I put the food?
- AureliaCibum in mensā pōne.Put the food on the table.
- QuintusBene, hoc pōnō.Good, I am putting this [here].
- AureliaGratias tibi ago, Quinte.Thank you, Quintus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “put” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
