poner un temporizador
/poneɾ un tempoɾiθadoɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "set a timer" is translated into Spanish as poner un temporizador.
In informal situations, you may also hear the phrase poner un timer, which is a simple and widely understood way to ask someone to set a timer.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb poner literally means "to put" or "to set", and is used here in the sense of 'to set' or 'to place' a device into a state of operation.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are telling someone directly to set a timer (informal 'tú' command), you use the imperative form pon un temporizador instead of the infinitive poner un temporizador.
How do you pronounce it?
/poneɾ un tempoɾiθadoɾ/
Did you know?
- While temporizador refers to the device, the verb temporizar can also mean to intentionally delay an action to wait for a better opportunity.
- In a professional kitchen in Spain, a chef might use the term reloj (clock) instead of temporizador when asking to time something.
- The verb poner used in this phrase is a distant relative of the English words 'post' and 'position'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podrías activar una alarma para que no se nos pase el tiempo?Could you activate an alarm so we don't run out of time?
- Voy a poner un temporizador para el horno.I am going to set a timer for the oven.
- No olvides poner un temporizador para los huevos.Don't forget to set a timer for the eggs.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes poner un temporizador para la pasta?Lucía, can you set a timer for the pasta?
- LucíaSí, lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, I will do it right now.
- JavierGracias, no quiero que se pase de cocción.Thanks, I don't want it to overcook.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, yo lo controlo.Don't worry, I have it under control.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poner, temporizador, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
