Which one should you use?
While poner is used to put or place an object, its reflexive form ponerse is used to mean 'to put on' clothing or to mean 'to become' a certain state.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, poner is typically used in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preterite (past tense) forms of poner are irregular. The first-person singular is puse (I put), the third-person singular is puso (he/she put) and the third-person plural is pusieron (they put).
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/poˈneɾ/'}
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes use poner when they intend to say 'to place' in a more formal or permanent sense. In those specific instances, colocar might be more precise, although poner remains widely accepted in most contexts.
When do people say it?
The phrase poner la mesa is the standard way to say 'to set the table' in Spanish.
Did you know?
- The expression poner los cuernos literally means 'to put the horns' and is used to describe someone who has been cheated on in a relationship.
- The phrase ponerse las pilas literally means 'to put in one's batteries' but is used to tell someone to wake up or start working hard.
- The phrase poner el grito en el cielo is used when someone is extremely outraged, but it literally translates to 'to put the shout in the sky'.
Examples in context
- No sé dónde ponerlos.I don't know where to put them.This sentence shows how to use poner when referring to multiple objects.Tatoeba #3106547 by marcelostockle, translation #3007886 by CM
- ¿En dónde lo vas a poner?Where are you going to put it?This sentence shows how to use poner when referring to a single object.Tatoeba #1995475 by marcelostockle, translation #1886641 by CK
- Me van a poner en la calle.They're going to put me out on the street.This sentence uses poner in an idiomatic expression regarding being placed on the street.Tatoeba #6677495 by arh, translation #13947555 by frpzzd
- El empleado colocó el libro en el estante.The employee put the book on the shelf.
- Por favor, ponga el objeto en la mesa.Please, put the object on the table.
- Voy a meter la ropa en la maleta.I'm going to put the clothes in the suitcase.
- Échale sal al guiso.Put some salt in the stew.
- Dejé las llaves sobre la mesa.I put the keys on the table.
- Me voy a poner el abrigo antes de salir.I'm going to put on my coat before going out.
- Deposita el sobre en el buzón.Put the envelope in the mailbox.
- No olvides poner las llaves en la mesa.Don't forget to put the keys on the table.
- ¿Dónde puedo meter mi bolso?Where can I put my bag?
- Por favor, ponga su equipaje en el compartimento superior.Please put your luggage in the overhead compartment.
- Puedes poner la taza en la mesa.You can put the cup on the table.
- No sé dónde meter este libro.I don't know where to put this book.
- Debes depositar el dinero en el banco.You must deposit the money in the bank.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are organizing their new apartment.
- Javier¿Dónde quieres poner la lámpara?Where do you want to put the lamp?
- LucíaPuedes ponerla sobre la mesa.You can put it on the table.
- JavierEstá bien, voy a ponerla allí.Okay, I am going to put it there.
- LucíaGracias, queda muy bien.Thanks, it looks very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
