ponte
“ponte” means “put on” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
put on, wear
Also: get dressed
📝 In Action
Hace frío afuera. ¡Ponte el abrigo!
A1It's cold outside. Put on your coat!
Si vas a cocinar, ponte el delantal primero.
A2If you are going to cook, put on the apron first.
Ponte los zapatos que vamos tarde.
A1Put on your shoes, we are late.
get, become
Also: make yourself
📝 In Action
¡Ponte serio! Esto no es una broma.
B1Get serious! This is not a joke.
Siéntate y ponte cómodo.
A2Sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Ya es tarde. Ponte a trabajar.
B2It's late now. Get to work (Start working).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ponte
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponte' to command a change in attitude or mood?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
"Ponte" is formed by combining the irregular imperative command 'pon' (from the Latin *ponere*, meaning 'to place') and the reflexive pronoun 'te' (meaning 'yourself'). The combination emphasizes an action you perform on yourself.
First recorded: 12th century (as poner)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the accent missing on 'ponte' when 'dame' (give me) has one?
Spanish rules only require an accent if the word has three or more syllables and the stress is on the third-to-last or fourth-to-last syllable. 'Ponte' only has two syllables (POHN-teh), and the stress naturally falls on the first, so no written accent is needed.
Is 'ponte' formal or informal?
'Ponte' is the command used with 'tú,' which is the informal way to say 'you.' If you need to be formal or address a respected older person, you must use 'póngase' (the command for 'usted').