ponte las pilas
/ponte las pilas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "step your game up" can be translated into Spanish as ponte las pilas.
The phrase ponte las pilas is used to tell someone to wake up, pay attention or start working harder/more efficiently.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ponte las pilas is an informal, colloquial expression and should not be used in highly formal or professional settings. For a formal way to say "improve your performance", you can use Mejorar tu desempeño.
How do you pronounce it?
/ponte las pilas/
Did you know?
- The phrase ponte las pilas literally translates to 'put in your batteries'.
- The phrase can be used as a subtle warning. When a boss tells an employee to ponerse las pilas, it often implies that the person's job may be at risk if they do not improve.
- In many Latin American countries, this phrase is so common it is used in advertising to encourage social or civic action.
Examples in context
- Juan, es hora de mejorar tu desempeño si quieres avanzar en tu carrera.Juan, it's time to improve your performance if you want to progress in your career.
- No olvides que debes elevar tu nivel si quieres tener éxito en este proyecto.Remember, you must raise your level if you want to succeed in this project.
- Chicos, tenemos que mejorar nuestro rendimiento si queremos ganar este partido.Guys, we have to step up our game if we want to win this match.
- Tienes que ponerte las pilas si quieres tener éxito en este proyecto.You have to step your game up if you want to succeed in this project.
- Échale ganas si quieres alcanzar tus metas.Step your game up if you want to achieve your goals.
- ¡Ponte las pilas si quieres aprobar el examen!Step your game up if you want to pass the exam!
- Ponte las pilas si quieres aprobar el examen.Step your game up if you want to pass the exam.
- Mateo, ponte las pilas con el trabajo de hoy.Mateo, step your game up with today's work.
Example conversation
Mateo is being lazy while studying for a big presentation.
- MaríaMateo, ponte las pilas con la presentación.Mateo, step your game up with the presentation.
- MateoLo siento, María, me he distraído mucho.I'm sorry, María, I've been very distracted.
- MaríaEs una oportunidad muy importante para ti.It is a very important opportunity for you.
- MateoTienes razón, voy a empezar ahora mismo.You're right, I'm going to start right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
