mételo
/metelo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "put it in" is said as mételo.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to place an object inside a specific space or a container. While a general verb like poner can mean "to put," the verb meter is specifically used when the action involves inserting or placing something into a space.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Mételo ahí is commonly used to mean "put it in."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mételo is an imperative command. The lo at the end is a direct object pronoun meaning "it" that is attached to the verb. Note that if the object you are putting inside is a feminine noun, such as bolsa, you must change the pronoun to la and say métela.
How do you pronounce it?
/metelo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, meterse is used to describe someone who is 'nosy' or 'interferes' in others' business, as if they are physically putting themselves into a situation where they do not belong.
- The word meter is a linguistic relative of the English word 'meter', as both derive from the Greek metron meaning a measure.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, using the verb meter to describe a person entering a space can sound unintentionally suggestive or even vulgar in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- Mételo en una bolsa de papel marrón.Put it in a brown paper bag.This sentence shows how to use mételo when directing someone to use a container.Tatoeba #12347887 by megamanenm, translation #3155630 by CK
- Por favor, introdúzcalo en el sobre.Please put it in the envelope.
- ¡Mételo en la mochila!Put it in the backpack!
- Vamos, ponlo dentro de la caja.Come on, put it in the box.
- Si es pequeño, mételo en la caja.If it is small, put it in the box.
- No dejes el juguete fuera, mételo en el baúl.Don't leave the toy out, put it in the trunk.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are cleaning the living room.
- AlejandroMira este libro, ¿dónde va?Look at this book, where does it go?
- MaríaMételo en el estante de arriba.Put it in the top shelf.
- AlejandroNo hay espacio suficiente aquí.There isn't enough space here.
- MaríaEntonces mételo en el cajón.Then put it in the drawer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
