meto
/MEH-toh/
I put
'Meto' means "I put" when placing something inside a container.
meto(Verb)
I put
?to place something inside
,I insert
?to push something into a slot or space
I stick
?to place quickly
,I slip
?to place discreetly
📝 In Action
Siempre meto las llaves en mi bolsillo trasero.
A2I always put the keys in my back pocket.
Meto la tarjeta en la ranura para pagar el peaje.
B1I insert the card into the slot to pay the toll.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form
'Meto' is the 'I' form of the verb 'meter' when you are describing a regular action happening right now or habitually.
Regular -ER Verb
'Meter' is a regular verb, meaning it follows the standard pattern for verbs that end in -er. This makes it easy to conjugate!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Meter vs. Poner
Mistake: "Using 'meter' when you mean 'poner' (general placement)."
Correction: Use 'meter' specifically when placing something *inside* a container or space. Use 'poner' for placing something *on* a surface or in a general location ('Pongo el libro en la mesa').
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical Insertion
Think of 'meter' when you are physically pushing something into a defined space, like keys in a lock or clothes in a drawer.
In sports, 'meto' means "I score."
meto(Verb)
I score
?in sports, especially soccer (football)
,I net
?to get the ball into the goal
📝 In Action
Si meto este penalti, ganamos el partido.
B1If I score this penalty, we win the game.
Meto un gol espectacular justo antes del descanso.
B2I score a spectacular goal just before halftime.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When talking about sports, especially football (soccer), 'meter' is a quick and common way to say 'to score' or 'to put the ball in the net'.
When used idiomatically, 'meto' (from 'meter la pata') means "I mess up." (Literally: I put the foot in.)
meto(Verb)
I mess up
?when using the idiom 'meter la pata'
,I cause trouble
?when using the idiom 'meter cizaña'
📝 In Action
Sé que meto la pata a veces, pero no fue intencional.
B2I know I mess up sometimes, but it wasn't intentional.
Si meto más dinero en esa inversión, arriesgo todo.
C1If I put more money into that investment, I risk everything.
⭐ Usage Tips
Learning Idioms
Many of the most colorful uses of 'meter' are in fixed expressions. Learn 'meter la pata' early, as it is very common in casual conversation.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: meto
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is correct for the sentence: 'Meto el cable en el enchufe.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'meto' an irregular verb form?
No, 'meto' is the 'yo' form of the verb 'meter,' which is a completely regular verb. It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -er.
How is 'meter' different from 'poner'?
Both mean 'to put,' but 'meter' is used when placing something *inside* a container or enclosed space (like putting clothes in a closet). 'Poner' is more general, often used for placing something *on* a surface (like putting a book on the table).