pongan
/POHN-gahn/
put
Pongan (put) the apple on the table.
pongan(Verb)
put
?to place something
,place
?to position
set
?to arrange
,lay
?to place flat
📝 In Action
Por favor, pongan sus maletas aquí.
A2Please, put your suitcases here (formal 'you all' command).
Necesito que pongan atención a las instrucciones.
B1I need you all to pay attention to the instructions (subjunctive).
Ojalá que nos pongan una mesa grande.
B2Hopefully, they set a big table for us (wish).
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Group Command
When giving a command to a group of people (ustedes), use 'pongan.' This is the formal way to say 'you all put/place.'
The Subjunctive Mood
The form 'pongan' is the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after words that express doubt, desire, necessity, or emotion, like 'Es necesario que pongan...' (It is necessary that you all put...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the 'g' sound incorrectly
Mistake: "Sometimes learners forget the 'g' sound and say 'ponan'."
Correction: The verb 'poner' is irregular and adds a 'g' in many forms, including 'pongan'. Remember P-O-N-G-A-N.
⭐ Usage Tips
Irregularity Tip
The stem of 'pongan' comes from the irregular 'yo' form of the present indicative ('pongo'). Most irregular verbs keep this new stem for all of the present subjunctive forms.
Pongan (turn on) the light.
pongan(Verb)
turn on
?devices or appliances
,play
?music or video
broadcast
?media
,screen
?a movie
📝 In Action
¡Que pongan la música ya!
B1They should play the music already!
Les pedimos que pongan la calefacción.
B1We ask you all to turn on the heating.
Cuando lleguen, pongan ese canal de noticias.
B2When you all arrive, turn on that news channel.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'poner' and 'encender'
Mistake: "Sometimes learners use 'encender' (to light/turn on) for media, when 'poner' is more common."
Correction: Use 'poner' (pongan) when you mean 'play' or 'put on' a movie, show, or music. Use 'encender' for simple light switches.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pongan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pongan' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'pongan' spelled with a 'g' if the base verb is 'poner'?
The verb 'poner' is irregular. Its 'yo' form in the present tense is 'pongo.' Spanish grammar dictates that this 'g' sound carries over into all the forms of the present subjunctive, including 'pongan,' to maintain a consistent pronunciation pattern.
Can I use 'pongan' to refer to a single person?
No. 'Pongan' is strictly plural. It refers to 'ellos' (they), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal). If you are commanding or referring to a single formal person ('usted'), you must use 'ponga'.