ponga
/pon-ga/
put
Ponga (put): The act of placing an object, like an apple on a table.
ponga(verb)
put
?to place something
,place
?to locate something
,set
?to arrange something, e.g., a table
lay
?to put down flat
📝 In Action
Ponga los libros sobre el escritorio.
A1Put the books on the desk (formal command).
Es necesario que yo ponga atención a la clase.
A2It is necessary that I pay attention to the class (Subjunctive 'I' form).
No creo que mi jefe ponga el dinero mañana.
B1I don't believe that my boss will put the money down tomorrow (Subjunctive 'he' form).
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands
'Ponga' is the standard way to tell someone politely ('usted') what to put or place, like saying 'Please, put the dish here.'
The 'Yo-Go' Rule
The stem of 'ponga' comes from the irregular 'yo' form of the present tense ('yo pongo'). All verbs whose 'yo' form ends in '-go' follow this pattern in the special 'wish/doubt' forms (Subjunctive).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood
Mistake: "No creo que él pone la llave aquí."
Correction: No creo que él ponga la llave aquí. (Use 'ponga' after expressions of doubt, like 'No creo que...').
⭐ Usage Tips
Identifying 'ponga'
If you see 'ponga', it usually means either a formal command ('Usted, put...') or expressing a desire, doubt, or necessity involving 'I', 'he/she', or 'usted'.
Ponga (turn on): Activating an appliance, such as switching on a lamp.
ponga(verb)
turn on
?appliances or media
,play
?music or video
apply
?effort or focus
,contribute
?money or resources
📝 In Action
Ponga su canción favorita ahora.
A2Play your favorite song now (formal command).
El doctor sugirió que ponga hielo en la rodilla.
B1The doctor suggested that I/he put ice on the knee (Subjunctive necessity).
Si usted no ponga interés, no lo entenderá.
B2If you don't apply interest, you won't understand it.
💡 Grammar Points
Indirect Commands for Media
In Spanish, you don't 'turn on' music; you 'put' the radio or music on. Use 'ponga' for this formal instruction: 'Ponga la radio' (Turn on the radio).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation of 'turn on'
Mistake: "Encienda la música."
Correction: Ponga la música. (While 'encender' means to turn on, 'poner' is much more natural when referring to playing media.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Abstract
Remember 'ponga' works for physical objects (put the keys down) and abstract concepts (put effort, put attention).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ponga
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponga' correctly as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ponga' a command or a statement?
It can be both! It is used for the formal command ('Usted, ponga...') and also for the 'I' and 'he/she/it/usted' forms in the Subjunctive mood (for wishes, doubts, or necessities).
How is 'ponga' related to 'poner'?
'Ponga' is the special, irregular form (conjugation) of the infinitive verb 'poner' (to put/place). If you need to use 'poner' in a command or after words expressing emotion or doubt, you must use 'ponga' for the formal and singular subjects.