metiste
/meh-TEES-teh/
you put
The image shows the simple action of putting something away.
metiste(verb)
you put
?completed action in the past (informal 'you')
,you placed
?completed action in the past (informal 'you')
you inserted
?physical insertion
,you stuck
?putting something somewhere quickly
📝 In Action
¿Dónde metiste mi libro? Lo necesito ahora.
A1Where did you put my book? I need it now.
Metiste la llave equivocada en la cerradura.
A2You put the wrong key in the lock.
Metiste demasiado dinero en esa máquina tragamonedas.
B1You put too much money into that slot machine.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Speaker and Time
'Metiste' tells you two things instantly: the person who did the action was 'tú' (the informal 'you'), and the action happened and finished completely in the past.
Regular Verb Pattern
The verb 'meter' is regular, which means its past tense ('metí', 'metiste', 'metió', etc.) follows the standard, predictable pattern for verbs ending in -ER.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'metías' when talking about a single, finished action (e.g., 'Ayer metías el dinero en la cartera')."
Correction: Use 'metiste' for a single, completed action: 'Ayer metiste el dinero en la cartera' (Yesterday you put the money in the wallet). Use 'metías' only for repeated or ongoing past actions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Small Spaces
'Meter' often implies putting something into a container or space, especially a small one (like a pocket, a box, or a hole).
This image captures the feeling of getting someone into trouble or causing a problem for another person.
metiste(verb)
you got (someone) into trouble
?causing a problem for another person
you scored
?sports: referring to a goal
,you interfered
?figurative, often implying unwanted involvement
📝 In Action
Metiste ese golazo en el último minuto del partido.
B1You scored that amazing goal in the last minute of the game.
¡Nos metiste en un problema muy grande con esa mentira!
B2You got us into a huge problem with that lie!
Cuando hablaste de más, metiste la pata.
C1When you talked too much, you put your foot in your mouth (made a mistake).
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Form (Meterse)
If you want to say 'You got yourself involved,' you would use the reflexive form of the past tense: 'te metiste.' 'Metiste' alone means you put someone else or something else into the situation.
Using 'Meter' for Scoring
In sports, 'meter' is a common, informal way to say 'to score' or 'to get the ball in.' You will hear it constantly in football (soccer) commentary.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Causation and Self-Involvement
Mistake: "Saying 'Metiste en problemas' when you mean 'You got yourself into problems.'"
Correction: You must use the reflexive pronoun 'te' to indicate self-involvement: 'Te metiste en problemas.' If you leave off the 'te,' you are saying 'You put (someone else) into problems.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: metiste
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'metiste' to mean 'you caused trouble'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'metiste' formal or informal?
'Metiste' is the 'tú' form, which is the informal way of addressing a single person (like a friend, child, or close colleague). If you were speaking formally to an elder or a boss, you would use 'Usted' and say 'metió'.
How is 'meter' different from 'poner'?
Both mean 'to put,' but 'meter' usually emphasizes putting something *inside* a container, hole, or restricted space ('meter la llave en la cerradura'). 'Poner' is more general, referring to placing something *on* a surface or simply positioning it ('poner el plato en la mesa').