Inklingo
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metiendo

/meh-tee-EN-doh/

putting (in)

A hand gently pushing a small, colorful wooden block into a matching square hole on a wooden shape-sorter toy.

Metiendo can mean "putting (in)" or "inserting," like putting a block into a box.

metiendo(Gerund)

A1regular er

putting (in)

?

inserting physically

,

sticking (in)

?

placing inside

Also:

shoving

?

forcing something into a space

📝 In Action

Ella está metiendo los libros en la mochila.

A1

She is putting the books in the backpack.

Estábamos metiendo las sillas en el camión cuando llovió.

A2

We were putting the chairs in the truck when it rained.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • introduciendo (introducing)
  • poniendo (putting)

Common Collocations

  • estar metiendo – to be putting/inserting

💡 Grammar Points

The Progressive Tense

The '-iendo' ending shows that the action of 'meter' is ongoing. You use it with 'estar' (to be) to form the structure: ESTAR + METIENDO.

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement of Pronouns

If you use a pronoun (like 'lo' or 'se'), you can attach it to the end of 'metiendo' or put it before 'estar'. Example: 'Está metiéndolo' or 'Lo está metiendo'.

A person stepping across a visible boundary line to join a small, focused group of people collaborating on a project.

Metiendo is used when someone is "getting into" or becoming involved in a situation.

metiendo(Gerund)

B1regular er

getting into

?

becoming involved in a situation

,

interfering

?

meddling

Also:

causing

?

introducing a problem

📝 In Action

Mi hermano siempre está metiéndose en líos.

B1

My brother is always getting into trouble.

Ella no quiere que estemos metiendo las narices en su vida.

B2

She doesn't want us interfering in her life (literally: 'putting our noses').

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • involucrándose (getting involved)
  • entrometiéndose (meddling)

Idioms & Expressions

  • metiendo la pata – making a mistake or saying something inappropriate

💡 Grammar Points

The 'Se' Form

When 'meter' means 'to get involved,' it usually needs 'se' attached (meterse). The gerund becomes 'metiéndose' or 'se está metiendo'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'meter' and 'poner'

Mistake: "Using 'poniendo la llave' instead of 'metiendo la llave'."

Correction: 'Poner' means 'to place on top of,' while 'meter' means 'to insert into' or 'to put inside.' Use 'metiendo' for insertion.

A soccer ball flying through the air and entering the back of a soccer goal net, suggesting a successful score.

In sports, metiendo means "scoring" a goal or a point.

metiendo(Gerund)

B2regular er

scoring

?

a goal or point in sports

,

speeding up

?

informal use, usually reflexive

📝 In Action

El equipo está metiendo muchos puntos en este cuarto.

B2

The team is scoring many points in this quarter.

¡Vamos, métete! Ya es tarde.

C1

Come on, hurry up! It's already late. (Note: using 'métete' as a command form of the verb 'meterse')

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • metiendo goles – scoring goals
  • metiendo prisa – rushing/hurrying (someone)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: metiendo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'metiendo' to describe interference?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

meter(to put in, to insert) - verb
metido(inserted; involved (adjective)) - adjective
el metimiento(the act of inserting/interfering) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'metiendo' and 'poniendo'?

Both mean 'putting,' but 'metiendo' (meter) specifically means putting something *inside* or *into* a container or opening (like a key in a lock). 'Poniendo' (poner) means placing something *on* a surface or *in* a general location (like putting a book on a table).

How do I form the continuous tense with 'metiendo'?

You use a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by 'metiendo'. For example: 'Yo estoy metiendo' (I am putting in) or 'Tú estabas metiendo' (You were putting in).