Inklingo

How to Say "put on" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ponte

POHN-teh/ˈpon.te/

verbA1informal
Use 'ponte' when giving a command to a single person (informal 'you') to wear clothing or accessories.
A child actively putting a bright red baseball cap onto their head with a cheerful expression.

Examples

¡Ponte el sombrero antes de salir al sol!

Put on your hat before going out in the sun!

Hace frío afuera. ¡Ponte el abrigo!

It's cold outside. Put on your coat!

Si vas a cocinar, ponte el delantal primero.

If you are going to cook, put on the apron first.

Ponte los zapatos que vamos tarde.

Put on your shoes, we are late.

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.

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'.

pónganse

verbA2informal
Use 'pónganse' when giving a command to multiple people (plural 'you') to wear clothing or accessories.

Examples

Chicos, pónganse los zapatos, ya es hora de irnos.

Kids, put on your shoes, it's time to go.

póngase

verbA2formal
Use 'póngase' when giving a command to a single person (formal 'you') to wear clothing or accessories, often in professional or respectful settings.

Examples

Señor, póngase el casco por seguridad.

Sir, put on the helmet for safety.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common mistake is confusing 'ponte' (informal, singular) with 'póngase' (formal, singular). Remember to use 'póngase' when addressing someone you don't know well, an elder, or someone in a position of authority, even if it's just one person.

Related Translations

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