ponerme
/po-NER-me/
to put on (clothing, accessories)
This image shows the action of ponerme, meaning 'to put on' clothing or accessories.
ponerme(Verb)
to put on (clothing, accessories)
?Action done to oneself
to wear
?Used in the context of getting ready
📝 In Action
Necesito ponerme un abrigo, hace frío.
A1I need to put on a coat, it's cold.
Voy a ponerme estas gafas de sol antes de salir.
A2I'm going to put on these sunglasses before leaving.
💡 Grammar Points
Pronoun Attachment
The '-me' is the pronoun 'myself.' When you use an infinitive (like 'poner'), the pronoun always attaches directly to the end, making one word: 'ponerme'.
When to Use This Form
This form is used when the verb is governed by another conjugated verb (e.g., 'Quiero ponerme...') or when it is the subject of a sentence.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misplacing the Pronoun
Mistake: "Me voy a poner un abrigo."
Correction: Voy a ponerme un abrigo. (Both are correct, but attaching it to the infinitive is often more common and easier to learn.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the 'Self' Action
'Ponerme' means 'to put on myself.' If you are putting something on someone else, you would use a different pronoun (e.g., 'ponerle' - to put on him/her).
Ponerme can mean 'to become,' often referring to transitioning to a new emotional state, like becoming happy.
ponerme(Verb)
to become
?Transitioning to a new emotional state
,to get
?Acquiring a feeling or physical state
to grow
?Used with adjectives like 'old' or 'tired'
📝 In Action
Intento no ponerme nervioso antes de un examen.
A2I try not to get nervous before an exam.
Al ver la película, empecé a ponerme triste.
B1Upon seeing the movie, I started to become sad.
Si salgo sin sombrero, puedo ponerme malo.
B1If I go out without a hat, I could get sick.
💡 Grammar Points
Temporary States
When 'ponerme' is used to talk about feelings or states, it usually implies a temporary change, like getting happy or getting tired.
Always Needs an Adjective
In this sense, 'ponerme' must be followed by an adjective describing the mood or state (e.g., nervioso, triste, contento).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with Ser/Estar
Mistake: "Estoy triste después de la película. (Correct, but static)"
Correction: Me puse triste después de la película. (Correct, emphasizes the action of becoming sad.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Fast Changes
Use 'ponerme' to emphasize a sudden or noticeable change in mood or appearance, like blushing or getting angry quickly.
Here, ponerme means 'to start' or 'to begin' an action or task, like starting a race.
ponerme(Verb)
to start
?To begin an action or task
,to set about (doing something)
?Committing to a new activity
to get down to
?Starting work or study
📝 In Action
Tengo que ponerme a estudiar para el examen final.
B2I have to start studying for the final exam.
Después de comer, me voy a ponerme a limpiar la cocina.
B2After eating, I'm going to start cleaning the kitchen.
💡 Grammar Points
The Essential 'A'
When 'ponerme' means 'to start doing something,' you MUST follow it with the small word 'a' and then the activity's verb (infinitive): 'ponerme a + infinitive'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Preposition
Mistake: "Voy a ponerme leer el libro."
Correction: Voy a ponerme a leer el libro. (The 'a' is required for the meaning 'to start.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Action and Commitment
This phrase often implies a decision to seriously begin a task, emphasizing effort or focus.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ponerme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponerme' to mean 'to get dressed'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'ponerme' end in -me?
The base verb is 'poner' (to put). The '-me' tells you that the action is happening to the speaker (myself). It's a way to show that 'I' am putting something on 'me' or 'I' am putting 'myself' into a state.
Is 'ponerme' the same as 'me pongo'?
They are related! 'Ponerme' is the base form (infinitive + pronoun), used after other verbs (e.g., 'debo ponerme'). 'Me pongo' is the fully conjugated 'I' form in the present tense (e.g., 'Yo me pongo la chaqueta').