metido
/meh-TEE-doh/
stuck
When something is physically 'metido,' it is stuck or placed tightly inside.
📝 In Action
El cable estaba metido detrás del sofá.
A2The cable was stuck behind the sofa.
La carta ya está metida en el buzón.
A2The letter is already placed in the mailbox.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'metido' is acting as an adjective here, make sure its ending matches the thing you are describing: 'La llave está metida' (feminine) or 'Los zapatos están metidos' (plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Usar 'ser metido' (to be put/stuck)."
Correction: Use 'estar metido' because being 'stuck' or 'placed' is a state or location, not a permanent characteristic.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Root
'Metido' comes from the verb 'meter,' which is like the opposite of 'sacar' (to take out).
Being 'metido' in a project means being deeply involved or engrossed in it.
metido(adjective)
deeply involved
?project/situation
,immersed
?in an activity
engrossed
?in reading/work
,caught up
?in a problem
📝 In Action
Carlos está metido en su tesis doctoral y no duerme.
B1Carlos is deeply involved in his doctoral thesis and doesn't sleep.
Estaban metidos en una conversación seria sobre política.
B2They were immersed in a serious conversation about politics.
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional State vs. Action
In this meaning, 'metido' describes a temporary state of deep focus or involvement, which is why it always pairs with the verb 'estar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'en' to specify the focus
Always use the preposition 'en' (in/on) to say what someone is focused on: 'metido en la película' (immersed in the movie).
Used pejoratively, 'metido' describes someone who is nosy or prying into others' affairs.
📝 In Action
Odio a la vecina, es muy metida y siempre pregunta todo.
B2I hate the neighbor, she is very nosy and always asks about everything.
No seas metido y déjanos hablar en privado.
B2Don't be interfering and let us talk privately.
💡 Grammar Points
Permanent Trait
When 'metido' describes a personality trait (nosy, interfering), you use the verb 'ser' ('Ella es metida'), because this is seen as a characteristic of the person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Sensitivity
This meaning is very common and understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, but is particularly strong and often used in Mexico and Central America.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: metido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'metido' to describe someone who is fully focused on a task?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'metido' and 'entrometido'?
They are very similar! Both mean 'nosy' or 'meddlesome.' 'Entrometido' is formed specifically to mean 'putting oneself in between' (*entre*), so it strictly refers to meddling, while 'metido' can also refer to physical placement or deep involvement, making it slightly more versatile in context.
Since 'metido' is a past participle, can I use it with 'haber'?
Yes, absolutely! 'Metido' is the past participle of 'meter'. So you use it with 'haber' to form perfect tenses, like 'Hemos metido los libros en la caja' (We have put the books in the box).