Overview
The verb poner means to put in English and is an irregular verb in Spanish. It is widely used to express placing something somewhere or turning on appliances. Mastering poner is essential for everyday Spanish communication and various common expressions.
Present Tense
In the present tense, poner changes irregularly in the first person singular and follows a pattern similar to other verbs ending in -er.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | pongo | I put | Yo pongo el libro en la mesa. | I put the book on the table. |
| tú | pones | you put | Tú pones la radio en la sala. | You put the radio in the living room. |
| él/ella/Ud. | pone | he/she/you put | Ella pone la llave en la puerta. | She puts the key in the door. |
| nosotros/as | ponemos | we put | Nosotros ponemos la comida en la nevera. | We put the food in the refrigerator. |
| vosotros/as | ponéis | you all put | Vosotros ponéis los platos en la mesa. | You all put the plates on the table. |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | ponen | they/you all put | Ellos ponen los zapatos en la habitación. | They put the shoes in the room. |
Preterite Tense
The preterite of poner is irregular, with a stem change and unique endings.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | puse | I put | Yo puse la carta en el buzón. | I put the letter in the mailbox. |
| tú | pusiste | you put | Tú pusiste la mesa para la cena. | You set the table for dinner. |
| él/ella/Ud. | puso | he/she/you put | Él puso el cuadro en la pared. | He put the picture on the wall. |
| nosotros/as | pusimos | we put | Nosotros pusimos las sillas en línea. | We put the chairs in a row. |
| vosotros/as | pusisteis | you all put | Vosotros pusisteis los libros en orden. | You all put the books in order. |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | pusieron | they/you all put | Ellos pusieron los regalos bajo el árbol. | They put the gifts under the tree. |
Common Expressions with Poner
The verb poner is also found in many idiomatic expressions in Spanish, enhancing its utility in conversation.
- poner atención: to pay attention
- poner la mesa: to set the table
- poner en marcha: to start (a machine or project)
- ponerse de acuerdo: to agree
Related Verbs and Usage
Related verbs such as colocar (to place) and meter (to put inside) can sometimes overlap in meaning with poner, but poner is more general. Knowing these distinctions enriches your fluency.
Summary
Poner is a frequently used irregular verb meaning to put. Its conjugations differ notably between tenses, especially in the first person forms. It appears in common phrases, making it indispensable for Spanish learners. Understanding how to conjugate and use poner properly enhances everyday communication skills.
