meterse
/meh-TEHR-seh/
to go into
“Meterse” can mean to go into a place, like entering a room or building.
meterse(verb)
to go into
?entering a room or building
,to get into
?entering a vehicle or bed
to put on
?getting into clothes quickly
,to squeeze in
?entering a tight space
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'se' is Key
The 'se' tells you that the action is being done to the subject, meaning the person is moving themselves into the space. If you say 'meter' without 'se', it means 'to put' or 'to insert' something else.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo meto en la casa."
Correction: Yo *me* meto en la casa. (The 'me' is essential to show *you* are entering.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical Movement
'Meterse' often implies a slightly quick, active, or deliberate movement into an enclosed space, like diving into water or hiding in a closet.
If you interfere in someone else's business, you "meterse" (to interfere).
meterse(verb)
to interfere
?in someone else's business
,to meddle
?being nosy
to get involved
?in a disagreement or fight
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'en'
When 'meterse' means 'to interfere,' it is almost always followed by the preposition 'en' (in/into): 'meterse en algo' (to get into something).
⭐ Usage Tips
Negative Connotation
This meaning usually carries a negative or critical tone, suggesting someone is being overly nosey or causing trouble.
“Meterse” also means to dedicate oneself to a new activity or career.
meterse(verb)
to dedicate oneself to
?starting a career
,to become
?entering a profession
to enlist
?joining the army or a service
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Focus on Commitment
This usage emphasizes the act of committing or immersing oneself fully into a specific role, career, or lifestyle.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: meterse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'meterse' in the sense of 'to interfere'?
📚 More Resources
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'.