metí
/meh-TEE/
I put in
"Metí" means "I put in," illustrating a physical placement or insertion.
metí(verb)
I put in
?physical placement or insertion
,I inserted
?physical insertion
I stuck
?placing quickly or carelessly
📝 In Action
Metí mi tarjeta en el cajero automático.
A1I put my card in the ATM.
Metí todos los juguetes en la caja.
A1I put all the toys in the box.
¿Dónde metí las llaves?
A2Where did I put the keys?
💡 Grammar Points
The Simple Past (Preterite)
'Metí' tells you that the action started and finished completely in the past, like a single event. It is the 'yo' (I) form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'meter' for general placement
Mistake: "Puse el libro en la mochila, pero en realidad, ¡lo metí!"
Correction: While 'poner' (to put) is often used for general placement, 'meter' is best when the object goes *inside* something else. Use 'poner' for general placement.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on 'In'
Think of 'meter' as having the meaning of 'in' built into it. If you are placing something into a hole, container, or pocket, use 'meter'.
When used reflexively ("me metí"), "metí" means "I got involved" in a situation.
metí(verb)
I got involved
?in a situation or argument (reflexive 'me metí')
,I entered
?to enter a place quickly or unexpectedly
I messed up
?as part of the idiom 'metí la pata'
📝 In Action
Me metí en esa conversación sin querer.
B1I got involved in that conversation without meaning to.
Metí la pata al preguntar por su exnovio.
B2I put my foot in my mouth (I messed up) by asking about her ex-boyfriend.
Cuando vi el peligro, me metí corriendo en la casa.
B1When I saw the danger, I ran quickly into the house.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use ('Me Metí')
When you use 'me metí,' the action is directed back at you. It means 'I put myself' into a situation, often implying difficulty or intrusion.
Idiomatic Phrases
'Meter' is the base for many common expressions. Learning phrases like 'meter la pata' (to screw up) is essential for sounding natural.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Transitive and Reflexive
Mistake: "Metí en problemas. (I put in problems.)"
Correction: When you get *yourself* into trouble, you must use the reflexive pronoun: 'Me metí en problemas.' (I got myself into problems.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: metí
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'metí' to mean 'I inserted'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'metí' and 'puse'?
Both mean 'I put,' but 'metí' (from *meter*) specifically means you put something *inside* something else (like a pocket, a box, or a hole). 'Puse' (from *poner*) is more general and means 'I placed' or 'I positioned' (like putting a book on a table).
Why does 'metí' sound like it could be a different word when used in 'metí la pata'?
This is an idiom! While 'metí' just means 'I put in,' the phrase 'meter la pata' has a fixed, figurative meaning of 'to screw up' or 'to make a mistake.' You need to memorize the whole phrase, not just the verb.