ponte
/POHN-teh/
put on
Ponte means "put on," often used to command someone to wear clothing, like "Ponte el sombrero" (Put on the hat).
ponte(Verb)
put on
?when commanding someone to wear clothing or accessories
,wear
?as a direct command
get dressed
?quick command
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Imperative Form
"Ponte" is the direct command form for 'you' (tú). It tells someone directly what to do. Remember that the pronoun ('te') is attached to the end of the verb for positive commands.
Irregular Verb Root
The command form 'pon' comes from the irregular verb 'poner'. Always practice 'pon' ('put') and 'ven' ('come') together, as they are part of the irregular command verbs.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Placement of 'te'
Mistake: "Te pon el abrigo (Incorrect)"
Correction: Ponte el abrigo (Correct). In positive commands, the 'te' must attach to the end of the verb, making 'ponte'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Reflexive Action
Use 'ponerse' (and therefore 'ponte') when the person putting something on is the same person receiving the action (you are putting clothes on yourself).
Ponte can mean "get," used when commanding a change in state or mood, like "Ponte serio" (Get serious).
ponte(Verb)
get
?when commanding a change in state or mood
,become
?when commanding a change in attitude
make yourself
?e.g., 'make yourself comfortable'
📝 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).
💡 Grammar Points
Ponerse + Adjective
When 'ponerse' is followed by an adjective (like 'serio' or 'triste'), it means 'to become' or 'to get' that way. It usually describes a quick, temporary change.
Ponerse a + Infinitive
The phrase 'Ponte a + a second verb' is a common structure that means 'Start doing' or 'Get down to business'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'
Mistake: "Ponte estar triste (Incorrect use of infinitive)"
Correction: Ponte triste (Correct). The verb 'ponerse' already captures the meaning of 'getting into a state' so you just follow it with the adjective.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Change
Remember that 'ponerse' emphasizes the process of changing state, not the permanent state itself. 'Ponte serio' means 'Change to a serious state'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ponte
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ponte' to command a change in attitude or mood?
📚 More Resources
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').