meterse
“meterse” means “to go into” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to go into, to get intoAlso: to put on, to squeeze in
📝 In Action
El niño se metió debajo de la mesa para esconderse.
A2The child went under the table to hide.
Date prisa, métete en el coche, que llegamos tarde.
A2Hurry up, get in the car, we are going to be late.
Me metí en la cama porque hacía mucho frío.
B1I got into bed because it was very cold.
Word Connections
to interfere, to meddleAlso: to get involved
📝 In Action
No te metas en mis asuntos, por favor.
B2Don't interfere in my business, please.
Siempre se mete en discusiones que no le corresponden.
C1He always gets involved in arguments that don't concern him.
Word Connections
to dedicate oneself to, to becomeAlso: to enlist
📝 In Action
Después de la universidad, se metió a periodista.
C1After university, he became a journalist.
Ella se metió en política para cambiar las cosas.
C1She got into politics to change things.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "meterse" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: meterse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'meterse' in the sense of 'to interfere'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
'Meterse' comes directly from the non-reflexive verb 'meter' (to put or place), which itself evolved from the Latin verb *mittere* meaning 'to send' or 'to let go'. When you add 'se', the meaning shifts from 'sending/putting something else' to 'sending/putting oneself'.
First recorded: 13th century (base verb)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'meter' and 'meterse'?
'Meter' (without 'se') means 'to put' or 'to insert' something else: 'Yo meto la llave' (I put the key). 'Meterse' (with 'se') means 'to put oneself' or 'to enter': 'Yo me meto en la casa' (I enter the house).
How do I say 'to pick on someone' using 'meterse'?
You would use the phrase 'meterse con alguien'. For example, 'No te metas con tu hermano' means 'Don't pick on your brother' or 'Don't mess with your brother'.