ponlo aquí
/ponlo aki/from spelling rules
The English phrase "put it here" is translated into Spanish as ponlo aquí.
This phrase is used as a request or command to place an object in a specific location. Depending on the context of the action, different Spanish expressions may be more appropriate. For example, if you want someone to place something inside a container like a bag or a pocket, you might use the informal expression mételo aquí. If you want someone to throw or drop something in a specific location, use the informal expression tíralo aquí.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ponlo aquí is composed of the imperative verb pon (put), the object pronoun lo (it) and the adverb aquí (here).
Which one should you use?
While ponlo aquí is the standard informal way to say "put it here," you should use póngalo aquí when speaking to someone in a formal context or when you wish to show respect using the usted form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the object pronoun changes based on the gender of the object being placed. In ponlo aquí, the pronoun lo is used when the object is masculine or gender-neutral. If the object being placed is feminine, you must change the pronoun to la, resulting in ponla aquí.
Did you know?
- The word aquí has a surprising history, tracing back to the Vulgar Latin phrase eccum hīc, which essentially combined 'behold' or 'this' with 'here'.
- The verb poner in ponlo aquí is used for a huge variety of placements, including putting on clothes, setting a table and even 'putting' a date on a document.
- While ponlo aquí is a direct command, using the word poner can sometimes feel too blunt in Spanish. To sound more polite and less like you are barking an order, many people use the phrase ¿Puedes ponerlo aquí? to frame it as a question.
Examples in context
- Ponlo aquí.Put it here.This example shows how to use the phrase ponlo aquí.Tatoeba #13878961 by mervert1, translation #6805368 by Ergulis
- Si no le importa, por favor ponga esto aquí.If you don't mind, please put this here.
- Le agradecería que colocara esto aquí.I would appreciate it if you could place this here.
- Por favor, sitúe esto aquí cuando termine.Please situate this here when you're done.
- No te preocupes, simplemente ponlo aquí.Don't worry, just put it here.
- Mételo aquí, es más seguro.Put it in here, it's safer.
- Ponlo aquí, por favor.Put it here, please.
- Si es muy pesado, ponlo aquí.If it is very heavy, put it here.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Elena carry groceries into the kitchen.
- Alejandro¿Dónde quieres la bolsa, Elena?Where do you want the bag, Elena?
- ElenaPonlo aquí, al lado de la fruta.Put it here, next to the fruit.
- AlejandroEstá bien, ya lo puse.Alright, I already put it.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
