metes
/MEH-tes/
you put in
"Metes" means 'you put in,' like when you put an object into a container.
metes(Verb (Conjugated Form))
you put in
?informal, physical action
,you insert
?informal
you stick
?informal, quick action
,you place
?informal
📝 In Action
¿Dónde metes las llaves cuando llegas a casa?
A2Where do you put the keys when you get home?
Siempre metes mucha azúcar en tu café.
A2You always put a lot of sugar in your coffee.
💡 Grammar Points
The Informal 'You'
'Metes' is the form used when speaking to a friend, family member, or someone younger—the informal 'you' (tú). If you were speaking formally, you would use 'usted mete'.
Regular -ER Verb
The verb 'meter' is very predictable. It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -er, making it easy to conjugate once you know the pattern.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'meter' and 'poner'
Mistake: "Using 'meter' when 'poner' (to put on a surface) is better."
Correction: 'Meter' implies putting *inside* something (like a box). 'Poner' is usually for placing *on* a surface (like a table).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Containment
Think of 'meter' as having the root idea of 'in' or 'into.' If the action involves moving something into a defined space, 'meter' is likely the right choice.
Use "metes" when someone 'interferes' or gets involved where they shouldn't.
metes(Verb (Conjugated Form))
you interfere
?informal, negative connotation
,you get involved
?informal
you cause trouble
?used with 'en líos'
📝 In Action
Si metes a tu hermano en esto, la situación empeorará.
B1If you involve your brother in this, the situation will get worse.
No metes cizaña entre mis amigos.
C1Don't sow discord among my friends. (Literally: You don't put weeds between my friends.)
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use for Involvement
When you want to say 'you get involved,' you often use the reflexive form: 'Tú te metes.' This emphasizes that the action is directed back at the subject.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Nariz'
A very common phrase is 'meter la nariz' (to stick your nose in), meaning to pry or interfere in someone else's business.
When you successfully 'score' a goal or point, you use the term 'metes.'
📝 In Action
¡Si metes ese gol, ganamos la liga!
B2If you score that goal, we win the league!
Cada vez que metes un tiro libre, el público grita.
B2Every time you make a free throw, the crowd screams.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sports Vocabulary
In sports, 'meter' is often preferred over 'anotar' in casual speech because it emphasizes the physical action of putting the ball 'into' the net or hoop.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: metes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'metes' in its figurative sense of interfering?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'metes' the same as 'metas'?
No. 'Metes' is the informal 'you' form in the simple present tense (Indicative mood), used for facts and routines ('You put'). 'Metas' is the informal 'you' form in the Subjunctive mood, used for wishes, doubts, and indirect commands ('I hope that you put').
How do I use 'meter' to talk about scoring a goal?
You use 'meter' just like the literal meaning. For example, 'meter un gol' (to put in a goal). This is much more common than using the verb 'anotar' (to note down/score) in casual speech.