colocar
/koh-loh-KAR/
to place
Colocar means 'to place' or 'to put something somewhere.
colocar(verb)
to place
?to put something somewhere
,to put
?to arrange
to set
?to fix a position
,to hang
?hanging a picture
📝 In Action
Por favor, coloca los libros en el estante superior.
A2Please, place the books on the top shelf.
El técnico colocó la antena nueva en el techo.
B1The technician put the new antenna on the roof.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change Rule (CAR verbs)
To keep the hard 'K' sound of the 'c' before the vowel 'e' (as in the preterite 'yo' form or the subjunctive), the 'c' must change to 'qu'. You say coloqué, not coloce.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Poner and Colocar
Mistake: "Using 'Poner' when a more precise arrangement is needed."
Correction: 'Colocar' suggests careful, specific placement or arrangement, whereas 'poner' is a more general 'to put'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Arrangement
Think of 'colocar' when you are setting something up, installing it, or arranging it neatly, not just dropping it down.
When you colocar someone, you help them 'to find a job for' them.
colocar(verb)
to find a job for
?helping someone get employment
,to invest
?financial placement of funds
to allocate
?placing resources
📝 In Action
La agencia de empleo logró colocar a varios recién graduados.
B1The employment agency managed to place several recent graduates (find them jobs).
Decidimos colocar el dinero en acciones de bajo riesgo.
B2We decided to invest the money in low-risk stocks.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative 'Placement'
Here, the action is still 'placing' something, but instead of a physical object, you are placing a person (in a job) or money (in a bank or stock).
Colocar can also mean 'to get a job' for oneself.
colocar(verb)
to get a job
?to find employment for oneself
to be placed
?passive sense of finding a position
📝 In Action
Después de la universidad, se colocó rápidamente en una buena empresa.
B1After university, he quickly got a job at a good company.
Si estudias mucho, te colocarás sin problemas.
B2If you study hard, you will get a job without problems.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Meaning
When you add 'se' (colocarse), the action reflects back: you are 'placing yourself' in a job or position. Remember to match the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to the subject.
Informally, colocar can mean 'to get high' or intoxicated.
colocar(verb)
to get high
?intoxication, usually drugs
,to get stoned
?under the influence
to get tipsy
?lightly drunk (less common)
📝 In Action
Estaban tan colocados que no podían seguir la conversación.
C1They were so high they couldn't follow the conversation.
Si bebes mucho, te vas a colocar.
C1If you drink a lot, you are going to get drunk/tipsy.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
This specific meaning is always reflexive (colocarse) and relies completely on the social context. Use this meaning only in informal settings with people you know well.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: colocar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'colocar' in its reflexive form (colocarse) to mean 'to find a job'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'colocar' instead of 'poner' (to put)?
'Poner' is very general, like simply setting something down. 'Colocar' is better when you are arranging, installing, fitting, or finding a specific spot for something. It implies a more careful or permanent placement.
Is 'colocarse' always slang for being intoxicated?
No. While it is very common slang for 'getting high' (especially in Spain), its neutral meaning, 'to get a job,' is also widely used. Context will always tell you which meaning is intended.