ponemos
/poh-NEH-mohs/
we put
Ponemos (we put) the block on the shelf.
ponemos(verb)
we put
?physical placement
,we place
?physical placement
we set
?setting the table
,we lay
?laying tiles/bricks
📝 In Action
Nosotros ponemos la mesa antes de cenar.
A1We set the table before having dinner.
¿Dónde ponemos las llaves? Siempre las perdemos.
A1Where do we put the keys? We always lose them.
Ponemos mucha atención a los detalles.
A2We pay a lot of attention to the details.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The 'yo' form (I) of the present tense is highly irregular: 'yo pongo'. Remember this pattern, as many common verbs follow it.
The 'We' Form is Regular
Even though 'poner' is irregular, the 'nosotros' form ('ponemos') follows the standard pattern for -er verbs in the present tense.
⭐ Usage Tips
Poner vs. Meter
Use 'ponemos' for placing things on a surface (e.g., 'ponemos el libro en la mesa'). Use 'metemos' for putting things inside something else (e.g., 'metemos el libro en la mochila').
Ponemos (we turn on) the lamp.
ponemos(verb)
we turn on
?a device
,we switch on
?a device
we start (the music)
?media
,we broadcast
?media/news
📝 In Action
Siempre ponemos música latina cuando limpiamos la casa.
A2We always put on Latin music when we clean the house.
Ponemos la televisión para ver las noticias a las ocho.
A2We turn on the television to watch the news at eight.
⭐ Usage Tips
Starting Media
When talking about starting a song, movie, or show, 'ponemos' is used, meaning 'we put the media on.'
Ponemos (we set) the limit for the play area.
ponemos(verb)
we set
?a limit or condition
,we establish
?a rule
we schedule
?an appointment
📝 In Action
Ponemos una fecha límite para el proyecto la próxima semana.
B1We set a deadline for the project next week.
En la reunión, ponemos las reglas básicas para trabajar en equipo.
B1In the meeting, we establish the basic rules for teamwork.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ponemos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponemos' in the sense of 'setting a rule'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'ponemos' means 'we put' or 'we turn on'?
Look at the object! If you are talking about something electronic (like music, TV, or a light), it usually means 'we turn on.' If you are talking about a physical object (like a book, a coat, or a table setting), it means 'we place' or 'we put.'
Is 'ponemos' the command form for 'we'?
Yes, 'ponemos' is the same word used for the 'nosotros' (we) command, but it changes to 'pongamos' when it's a command (Let's put/place). 'Ponemos' is the statement form: 'We put.' 'Pongamos' is the command form: 'Let's put.' (Example: Pongamos fin a esta discusión = Let's put an end to this discussion).