ponernos
/poh-NEHR-nohs/
to put on ourselves
We use 'ponernos' when talking about putting on clothing or accessories.
ponernos(Verb (Infinitive + Pronoun))
to put on ourselves
?clothing or accessories
,to wear
?clothing (when used generally)
to slip into
?casual clothing
📝 In Action
Antes de salir, tenemos que ponernos los abrigos.
A1Before leaving, we have to put our coats on.
Es agradable ponernos ropa cómoda después del trabajo.
A2It's nice to put on comfortable clothes after work.
💡 Grammar Points
Structure of Reflexive Infinitives
"Ponernos" is the base verb "poner" plus the pronoun "nos" (us/ourselves). This form is used when the action is directed back at the group performing it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'nos'
Mistake: "Vamos a poner los zapatos."
Correction: Vamos a ponernos los zapatos. (If 'we' are putting the shoes on 'ourselves', the 'nos' is required.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the 'nos' form
When you use the infinitive form, the 'nos' attaches to the end. When you conjugate the verb (e.g., in the present tense), the 'nos' moves to the front: 'Nos ponemos'.
'Ponernos' can mean to become or enter a new state or mood, like getting happy or sad.
ponernos(Verb (Infinitive + Pronoun))
to become
?change of mood or state
,to get
?emotional state
to turn
?change of color
📝 In Action
La película es tan triste que podríamos ponernos a llorar.
A2The movie is so sad that we might start to cry (become tearful).
No queremos ponernos celosos por su éxito.
B1We don't want to get jealous because of their success.
El cielo empezó a ponernos nerviosos con ese color gris.
B1The sky started to make us nervous with that gray color.
💡 Grammar Points
Change of State
When 'ponerse' is followed by an adjective (like tristes or nerviosos), it describes a temporary change in how someone feels or looks.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'
Mistake: "Vamos a ser contentos."
Correction: Vamos a ponernos contentos. (Use 'ponerse' to describe the action of changing into that state.)
When followed by 'a', 'ponernos' means to start or begin an action.
ponernos(Verb (Infinitive + Pronoun))
to start
?to begin an action (used with 'a')
,to set about
?formal way of beginning a task
📝 In Action
Después del descanso, necesitamos ponernos a trabajar de inmediato.
B1After the break, we need to start working immediately.
Si queremos terminar, tenemos que ponernos a escribir ahora mismo.
B1If we want to finish, we have to start writing right now.
💡 Grammar Points
Starting an Action
To mean 'to start doing something,' you must follow 'ponernos' with the preposition 'a' and then the action verb (infinitive): ponernos a + [action].
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: "Vamos a ponernos estudiar."
Correction: Vamos a ponernos A estudiar. (The 'a' is required to link 'ponerse' to the following action.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ponernos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponernos' to mean 'to become' (a change in state)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'ponernos' sometimes mean 'to start'?
The structure 'ponerse a + [action]' literally means 'to place oneself into an action,' which is how Spanish expresses the idea of 'starting' or 'getting down to business.' It’s a fixed phrase used only for this purpose.
When do I use 'nos ponemos' instead of 'ponernos'?
You use 'nos ponemos' when the verb is conjugated (e.g., 'Nos ponemos tristes' - We get sad). You use 'ponernos' when the verb is in the infinitive form, usually following another conjugated verb or preposition (e.g., 'Vamos a ponernos tristes' - We are going to get sad).