póngase
/POHN-gah-seh/
put on
Póngase: Use this to formally tell someone to put on clothing or accessories.
póngase(Verb)
put on
?clothing or accessories (formal command)
wear
?formal instruction
📝 In Action
Doctor, póngase los guantes antes de empezar.
A2Doctor, put on your gloves before starting.
Si va a salir, póngase un abrigo, hace mucho frío.
A1If you are going out, put on a coat, it is very cold.
Póngase la mascarilla, por favor, es obligatorio.
A2Put on your mask, please, it's mandatory.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Command Structure
This is a formal command ('usted' form). The verb part ('ponga') is followed immediately by the pronoun ('se'), which is why it has an accent mark over the 'ó'.
Reflexive Action
Using 'se' indicates that the action (putting on) is done by the person speaking to, and affects them directly (putting the coat on oneself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Pronoun Placement
Mistake: "Se ponga el abrigo."
Correction: Póngase el abrigo. (Pronouns always attach to affirmative commands.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Accent
The accent on the 'o' is crucial. It keeps the natural stress of the verb 'ponga' when the pronoun 'se' is added.
Póngase: This can be used to formally command someone to get into a certain state or condition (like 'get happy' or 'get well').
póngase(Verb)
get
?change to a state or condition (formal command)
become
?formal instruction to change mood or state
,turn
?referring to a color change
📝 In Action
Póngase cómodo, la reunión empezará pronto.
B1Get comfortable, the meeting will start soon.
No se preocupe, póngase tranquilo y respire.
B1Don't worry, become calm (get calm) and breathe.
Si tiene fiebre, póngase una toalla fría en la frente.
B2If you have a fever, put a cold towel on your forehead (get a cold towel on yourself).
💡 Grammar Points
Temporary Changes
When used with adjectives (like 'cómodo' or 'tranquilo'), 'ponerse' describes a temporary change in feeling or state, often sudden.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Adjectives
This meaning is almost always followed by an adjective describing the new state: Póngase + Adjective (e.g., feliz, triste, rojo).
Póngase: Use this to formally tell someone to stand or place themselves in a specific position.
póngase(Verb)
stand
?place oneself in a position (formal command)
position yourself
?formal instruction on location
📝 In Action
Póngase junto a la ventana para ver mejor.
B1Stand next to the window to see better.
Si va a hablar, póngase de pie, por favor.
B2If you are going to speak, stand up, please.
Póngase en la fila para que podamos atenderlo.
B1Get in line so we can assist you.
💡 Grammar Points
Implied Movement
In this context, 'póngase' implies a short movement or action to take a specific location or posture.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Prepositions
This meaning usually involves prepositions that indicate location or position (e.g., 'junto a', 'detrás de', 'en').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: póngase
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation best fits the sentence: 'Póngase el traje de baño, el agua está perfecta.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'póngase' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is needed because the pronoun 'se' has been added to the command 'ponga'. If we didn't add the accent, the stress would fall incorrectly on the second syllable (pon-GA-se). The accent ensures the stress stays on the 'o' (PÓN-ga-se), which is where it belongs in the original command.
Is 'póngase' only used for formal situations?
Yes. 'Póngase' is the formal command (usted form). If you were speaking informally to a friend or family member, you would use 'ponte' (e.g., 'ponte el abrigo').