colocar
“colocar” means “to place” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
to place, to putAlso: to set, to hang
📝 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.
Word Connections
to find a job for, to investAlso: to allocate
📝 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.
Word Connections
to get a jobAlso: to be placed
📝 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.
Word Connections
to get high, to get stonedAlso: to get tipsy
📝 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.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes from the Latin verb *collocare*, which is formed by combining *com-* (meaning 'together') and *locare* (meaning 'to place'). This gives it the core sense of 'putting things in a specific location or arrangement.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.