mete
/MEH-teh/
puts
Visualizing "puts" (He/she/it puts).
mete(verb)
puts
?He/she/it puts; You (formal) put
,insert
?Informal command (You, insert!)
shoves
?Placing forcefully
,places inside
?General placement
📝 In Action
Ella siempre mete el dinero en el bolsillo.
A1She always puts the money in her pocket.
¡Mete la basura en el contenedor!
A2Put the trash in the container!
Usted mete mucha presión en el equipo.
B1You (formal) put a lot of pressure on the team.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Use of 'Mete'
'Mete' can be a statement (He/She/You formal puts) or a friendly, informal command (You, put!). Listen carefully to the tone and context to know which one it is.
Meter vs. Poner
Use 'meter' when something goes inside something else (like a box or a pocket). Use 'poner' for placing something on a surface (like a table).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Mete' and 'Pone'
Mistake: "Pone la llave en la cerradura. (Incorrect, unless you mean placing the key *on* the lock surface)"
Correction: Mete la llave en la cerradura. (Correct, because the key goes *inside* the lock hole.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Depth
Think of 'meter' as having the sense of 'entering' or 'sinking into' a space. This helps differentiate it from the broader verb 'poner'.
Visualizing "scores" (A goal in sports).
📝 In Action
El delantero mete el gol de la victoria en el último minuto.
B1The striker scores the winning goal in the last minute.
Si no mete esa canasta, pierden el partido.
B2If he doesn't score that basket, they lose the game.
💡 Grammar Points
Sports Specific
This meaning is an extension of the core idea (putting the ball into the net). It is used interchangeably with verbs like 'anotar' or 'marcar' when talking about scoring points or goals.
Visualizing "interferes" (He/she interferes).
mete(verb)
interferes
?He/she interferes
,gets into
?He/she gets involved in something
butts in
?Informal interference
📝 In Action
Él siempre mete cizaña entre sus amigos.
B2He always sows discord (causes trouble) among his friends.
No te metas en mis asuntos. (Using reflexive 'meterse')
B2Don't butt into my business. (Literal: Don't put yourself into my affairs)
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Difference
When you want to talk about getting involved or interfering, you almost always need the reflexive form: 'meterse' (e.g., 'Se mete en todo'). The form 'mete' (without 'se') usually means 'he/she/it puts' something else.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cizaña (Discord)
The phrase 'meter cizaña' is a very common idiomatic way to say someone is stirring up trouble or spreading rumors.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mete
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'mete' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'mete' and 'pone'?
'Pone' (from 'poner') means to place something generally (on a table, on the floor). 'Mete' (from 'meter') means to place something *inside* or *into* a container or space (a pocket, a box, a hole). If the object is entering something, use 'mete'.
Does 'mete' always refer to 'he/she/it'?
No. 'Mete' refers to three possible subjects: 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'usted' (you formal), AND the informal command 'tú' (you).