puse
/POO-seh/
I put
Puse el libro en el estante. (I put the book on the shelf.)
puse(verb)
I put
?to place something physically
,I placed
?to locate something
I set
?e.g., setting down a tray
📝 In Action
Puse la llave dentro del buzón como me pediste.
A1I put the key inside the mailbox as you asked me to.
Puse mi mochila al lado de la puerta.
A1I placed my backpack next to the door.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular Preterite Form
"Puse" is the simple past ('preterite') form of 'poner' for 'I'. It is highly irregular and does not follow the standard verb pattern. Memorize 'puse', 'pusiste', 'puso', etc., as a unit.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not Using the Irregular Stem
Mistake: "Yo poní (Incorrect attempt to use imperfect or regular -er ending)"
Correction: Yo puse. (The stem changes completely from PONE- to PUS- in the simple past.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Action vs. State
Use 'puse' (preterite) to describe a single, completed action in the past: 'I placed the glass down.' If you are describing a setting or background state, use 'ponía' (imperfect).
Puse la radio. (I turned on the radio.)
puse(verb)
I turned on
?device/appliances
,I played
?music/a movie
I switched on
?a light or TV
📝 In Action
Puse la radio mientras cocinaba.
A2I turned on the radio while I was cooking.
Puse mi canción favorita a todo volumen.
B1I played my favorite song at full volume.
💡 Grammar Points
Poner vs. Encender
While 'encender' means 'to turn on,' 'poner' is often used specifically for turning on media (TV, music, movies) or specific settings ('Puse el canal 5').
Puse las reglas del juego. (I set the rules of the game.)
puse(verb)
I set
?a condition or deadline
,I gave
?a grade or assignment
I assigned
?a task
📝 In Action
Puse una fecha límite estricta para el proyecto.
B1I set a strict deadline for the project.
El banco me puso muchas condiciones para el préstamo.
B2The bank gave me many conditions for the loan.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift (Assignment)
This meaning is an extension of 'placing' something—you are 'placing' a rule or a number (grade) onto a situation or person.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'puse' to mean 'I played music'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'puse' so different from 'poner'?
'Puse' is an example of an 'irregular' verb in the simple past tense (preterite). Instead of adding the standard ending (-í), the core part of the verb changes completely (from PONE- to PUS-). This strong change comes from old Latin verb patterns and is something you must memorize, just like 'I went' in English.
How do I say 'I put on clothes' in the past?
While 'puse' is related, when talking about putting clothes on yourself, you must use the reflexive form of the verb, 'ponerse'. Therefore, you would say 'Me puse la camisa' (I put the shirt on myself). 'Puse' alone refers to placing an object elsewhere.