ponerse
/poneɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase "put on" is translated into Spanish as ponerse.
When used in conjunction with an adjective, ponerse expresses a sudden change in state, such as ponerse rojo (to turn red or blush). If you are specifically referring to the act of applying makeup, you might use the verb aplicarse instead.
Meaning: to don (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is reflexive, which means it literally translates to "to put on oneself".
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between ponerse and poner. Use poner without the reflexive pronoun when you are placing an object somewhere, such as putting a book on a table.
How do you pronounce it?
/poneɾse/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you mean that a person is dressing themselves, do not say poner la chaqueta. You must include the reflexive pronoun and say ponerse la chaqueta.
Did you know?
- The phrase ponerse las pilas literally means 'to put in one's batteries'. It is a common idiom used to tell someone to wake up, concentrate or start working harder.
- In Spanish, you rarely use possessive adjectives like 'my' with ponerse. Instead of saying 'put on my coat', a native speaker says ponerse el abrigo, using 'the' because the reflexive pronoun already indicates the clothes belong to the speaker.
- While ponerse describes the act of putting on clothes, Spanish uses a different verb, llevar, to say someone is already wearing them. An English speaker might mistakenly use ponerse to describe a person's current outfit.
Examples in context
- Tom ayudó a Mary a ponerse la chaqueta.Tom helped Mary put on her coat.This sentence shows how to use ponerse when helping someone with a garment.Tatoeba #9478088 by dpcossio, translation #7735832 by CK
- Señora, tiene que ponerse la mascarilla.Ma'am, you need to put on your mask.This sentence demonstrates the use of ponerse for protective gear like a mask.Tatoeba #10570762 by Seael, translation #10570765 by DJ_Saidez
- El nuevo teléfono se agotó nada más ponerse a la venta.The new phone went out of stock as soon as it was put on sale.This sentence illustrates a figurative use where ponerse relates to something being put on sale.Tatoeba #8696877 by arh, translation #9189268 by DJ_Saidez
- Mario se pone el traje para la ceremonia.Mario puts on his suit for the ceremony.
- La señora se coloca el sombrero elegante.The lady puts on the elegant hat.
- Juan se pone la chaqueta para salir.Juan puts on his jacket to go out.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ponerse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
