Inklingo

How to Say "set" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forsetis conjuntouse this for a general collection or group of things, like rules or a mathematical set.

conjunto🔊A2

Use this for a general collection or group of things, like rules or a mathematical set.

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fijo🔊A1

Use this for something established and unchanging, like a price, a date, or a job.

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puesto🔊A2

Use this past participle form when referring to something having been placed or put somewhere, or an item of clothing being worn.

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juego🔊A2

Use this for a collection of matching items that are intended to be used together, like tools or dishes.

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grupo🔊A1

Use this for a general gathering or collection of people or objects.

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colecciónA1

Use this for a complete group of related items, often gathered for a hobby or display.

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escenario🔊A2

Use this for the physical stage where a play or performance takes place.

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programado🔊A2

Use this for a fixed date or time for an event or appointment.

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kit🔊A2

Use this for a pre-packaged group of items needed for a specific purpose.

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lote🔊A2

Use this for a collection of items that are sold or dealt with together, like a batch of goods.

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pon🔊A1

Use this informal command form to tell someone to place an object down or to turn something on.

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ponga🔊A1

Use this formal command form to tell one person to place an object down or arrange something.

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pongan🔊A2

Use this formal command form to tell multiple people to place objects down or arrange things.

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servido🔊B1

Use this when a table is ready for a meal, meaning everything has been placed and is ready to be eaten.

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serie🔊B1

Use this for a sequence or collection of related things, events, or problems.

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decorado🔊B1

Use this specifically for the scenery or background constructions in a theatre or film production.

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establecido🔊B1

Use this for rules, procedures, or times that have been officially decided or fixed.

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manga🔊B2

Use this for a single division or part of a match, especially in sports like tennis or volleyball.

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partida🔊B1

Use this for a game or a round of play, especially in card games or sports.

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ronda🔊B1

Use this for a sequence of plays or a round in a game, or for rounds of drinks.

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servicio🔊B2

Use this for a matching collection of tableware, like plates, cutlery, or glasses.

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bateríaB2

Use this for a series or group of similar things, especially tests, questions, or medical examinations.

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set🔊B1

Use this loanword for a set in sports like tennis, or for a filming location/stage.

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fijado🔊A2

Use this for something that has been fixed or established, like a price or a date, implying it's not going to change.

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preparada🔊A1

Use this informal adjective when things, like luggage, are ready to go or prepared for an event.

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pusiera🔊B1

Use this subjunctive form when hypothetically talking about setting a table or establishing a mood.

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English → Spanish

conjunto

kon-HOON-tohkonˈxunto

nounA2general
Use this for a general collection or group of things, like rules or a mathematical set.
Four brightly colored wooden building blocks (cube, pyramid, cylinder, sphere) arranged together, representing a set.

Examples

El conjunto de reglas es simple.

The set of rules is simple.

Necesitamos analizar el conjunto de datos antes de decidir.

We need to analyze the data set before deciding.

El conjunto de edificios antiguos es muy bonito.

The group of old buildings is very beautiful.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'conjunto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, and any adjectives describing it must also end in -o (e.g., 'el conjunto grande').

fijo

fee-hohˈfixo

adjectiveA1general
Use this for something established and unchanging, like a price, a date, or a job.
A thick wooden post bolted securely to a stone ground, illustrating something being fixed and unmoving.

Examples

Necesito un trabajo fijo con beneficios.

I need a permanent job with benefits.

El sillón está fijo a la pared y no se puede mover.

The armchair is fixed to the wall and cannot be moved.

Tenemos una tarifa fija por la electricidad cada mes.

We have a fixed rate for electricity every month.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'fijo' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: 'fijo' (m. singular), 'fija' (f. singular), 'fijos' (m. plural), 'fijas' (f. plural).

Confusing 'fijo' and 'estable'

Mistake:Using 'estable' when referring to a job contract ('trabajo estable').

Correction: While 'estable' is understandable, the most natural way to say 'permanent job' in Spanish is 'trabajo fijo' or 'empleo fijo'.

puesto

PWES-tohˈpwesto

verbA2general
Use this past participle form when referring to something having been placed or put somewhere, or an item of clothing being worn.
A wooden dining table perfectly set for dinner with plates, silverware, and glasses, indicating it is ready for use.

Examples

He puesto las llaves sobre la mesa.

I have put the keys on the table.

Ya tienes el abrigo puesto, ¿nos vamos?

You already have your coat on, shall we go?

La mesa ya está puesta para la cena.

The table is already set for dinner.

Los libros están puestos en el estante.

The books are placed on the shelf.

Making it Match

As an adjective, 'puesto' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'puesto' for masculine things, 'puesta' for feminine, 'puestos' for masculine plural, and 'puestas' for feminine plural. For example: 'el abrigo puesto' (the coat on), 'la camisa puesta' (the shirt on).

Where it Goes

This adjective usually comes after the thing it's describing, which is a common pattern in Spanish. You'd say 'la gorra puesta' (the cap on), not 'la puesta gorra'.

The 'Have Done' Form

This is the special form of 'poner' (to put) that you use with the helper verb 'haber' (to have) to talk about things that 'have happened.' For example, 'he puesto' means 'I have put'.

It Doesn't Change Here

When used with 'haber' to form a main verb (like in 'he puesto'), 'puesto' always stays the same. It doesn't change for masculine or feminine things.

Irregular vs. Regular

Mistake:A common mistake is trying to make a regular form, like 'ponido'.

Correction: The verb 'poner' is irregular, so its past participle is always 'puesto'. Just remember: 'poner' -> 'puesto'.

juego

khweh-goˈxweɣo

nounA2general
Use this for a collection of matching items that are intended to be used together, like tools or dishes.
A perfectly organized ceramic tea set, including four matching cups, saucers, and a teapot, demonstrating a collection of items.

Examples

Necesito un nuevo juego de llaves.

I need a new set of keys.

El sofá viene con un juego de cojines.

The sofa comes with a set of cushions.

Este collar hace juego con tus aretes.

This necklace matches your earrings.

grupo

GROO-pohˈɡɾupo

nounA1general
Use this for a general gathering or collection of people or objects.
A collection of three bright red apples sitting closely together on a flat surface, representing a general group of things.

Examples

Un grupo de turistas espera el autobús.

A group of tourists is waiting for the bus.

Hay un grupo de llaves sobre la mesa.

There is a bunch of keys on the table.

Vamos a trabajar en grupos de tres personas.

We are going to work in groups of three people.

One Group IS, Not ARE

Even though a 'grupo' has many members, Spanish treats the word itself as one single thing. So, you use the singular form of the verb. For example, say 'El grupo es grande' (The group is big), not 'El grupo son grande'.

colección

nounA1general
Use this for a complete group of related items, often gathered for a hobby or display.

Examples

Mi abuelo tiene una colección increíble de relojes antiguos.

My grandfather has an incredible collection of antique watches.

escenario

es-seh-NAH-reeoheseˈnaɾjo

nounA2general
Use this for the physical stage where a play or performance takes place.
A simple wooden performance stage framed by red velvet curtains, highlighted by a single spotlight shining down on the center.

Examples

El cantante apareció en el escenario y la gente aplaudió.

The singer appeared on the stage and the people applauded.

Ayer montaron un escenario enorme para el festival de música.

Yesterday they built a huge stage for the music festival.

El equipo técnico se encargó del diseño del escenario.

The technical team was in charge of the stage design (set design).

Masculine Noun Alert

Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'escenario' is always a masculine noun, so you use the masculine word 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Using 'Escenario' for 'Scene'

Mistake:Saying 'La obra tiene cinco escenarios' (The play has five stages) when you mean the parts of the play.

Correction: Use 'escena' when referring to a section of a play or film ('La obra tiene cinco escenas'). 'Escenario' is the physical stage itself.

programado

pro-gra-MA-dopɾoɣɾaˈmaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use this for a fixed date or time for an event or appointment.
A colorful train waiting at a station platform with a clear blue sky above.

Examples

El examen está programado para las diez de la mañana.

The exam is scheduled for ten in the morning.

Tenemos un viaje programado para el próximo mes.

We have a trip planned for next month.

Matching the word to the object

Since this acts like an adjective here, the ending changes to 'programada' if you are talking about something feminine, like 'una reunión' (a meeting).

kit

kitkit

nounA2general
Use this for a pre-packaged group of items needed for a specific purpose.
A small, open wooden box containing three distinct tools: a red hammer, a yellow screwdriver, and a blue wrench, illustrating a collection of components.

Examples

Siempre llevo un kit de costura pequeño cuando viajo.

I always carry a small sewing kit when I travel.

El kit de reparación de bicicletas no incluía la bomba.

The bicycle repair kit did not include the pump.

Necesitamos comprar un kit de primeros auxilios para la oficina.

We need to buy a first aid kit for the office.

Gender Rule for Loanwords

Even though 'kit' comes from English and doesn't follow typical Spanish noun endings, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el kit'.

Confusing Pluralization

Mistake:Using 'los kit' for the plural.

Correction: The correct plural adds an 's' just like in English: 'los kits'. Remember to change the article too.

lote

loh-tehˈlote

nounA2general
Use this for a collection of items that are sold or dealt with together, like a batch of goods.
A tray of identical freshly baked cupcakes arranged in neat rows.

Examples

Este lote de camisetas tiene un error de impresión.

This batch of t-shirts has a printing error.

Vendieron el lote completo en la subasta.

They sold the entire lot at the auction.

Gender of Lote

Even though it ends in 'e', 'lote' is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Lote vs. Grupo

Mistake:Using 'lote' for a group of people.

Correction: Use 'grupo' for people. 'Lote' is almost always for physical objects or products.

pon

ponpon

verbA1informal
Use this informal command form to tell someone to place an object down or to turn something on.
A close-up of a hand placing a bright red wooden block onto a clean wooden table, demonstrating physical placement.

Examples

¡Pon la mesa ahora mismo! Vamos a cenar.

Set the table right now! We are going to have dinner.

Pon el vaso sobre el posavasos, por favor.

Put the glass on the coaster, please.

Cuando llegues, pon las llaves en el gancho de la entrada.

When you arrive, put the keys on the hook by the entrance.

¡Pon la televisión, por favor! Quiero ver las noticias.

Turn on the TV, please! I want to watch the news.

The 'Irregular Eight' Commands

'Pon' is one of eight highly irregular informal (tú) affirmative commands. You just have to memorize it! It does not follow the normal pattern of verb endings.

Pronoun Placement

When you use 'pon' with words like 'lo' or 'la' (it), they always stick directly onto the end of the command: 'Ponlo aquí' (Put it here).

Using 'Poner' for Technology

In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'poner' (pon) is the most common verb used to tell someone to turn on a TV, radio, or music, instead of the more literal 'encender'.

Using the 'er' Ending

Mistake:Pones el libro allí.

Correction: ¡Pon el libro allí! The form 'pones' is used for regular statements, not direct commands.

ponga

pon-gaˈpoŋɡa

verbA1formal
Use this formal command form to tell one person to place an object down or arrange something.
A close-up view of a hand gently placing a single bright red apple onto a clean wooden surface.

Examples

Ponga los libros sobre el escritorio.

Put the books on the desk (formal command).

Es necesario que yo ponga atención a la clase.

It is necessary that I pay attention to the class (Subjunctive 'I' form).

No creo que mi jefe ponga el dinero mañana.

I don't believe that my boss will put the money down tomorrow (Subjunctive 'he' form).

Formal Commands

'Ponga' is the standard way to tell someone politely ('usted') what to put or place, like saying 'Please, put the dish here.'

The 'Yo-Go' Rule

The stem of 'ponga' comes from the irregular 'yo' form of the present tense ('yo pongo'). All verbs whose 'yo' form ends in '-go' follow this pattern in the special 'wish/doubt' forms (Subjunctive).

Using the wrong mood

Mistake:No creo que él pone la llave aquí.

Correction: No creo que él ponga la llave aquí. (Use 'ponga' after expressions of doubt, like 'No creo que...').

pongan

POHN-gahnˈpoŋ.ɡan

verbA2formal
Use this formal command form to tell multiple people to place objects down or arrange things.
A person's hand gently placing a single red apple onto a simple wooden table.

Examples

Por favor, pongan sus maletas aquí.

Please, put your suitcases here (formal 'you all' command).

Necesito que pongan atención a las instrucciones.

I need you all to pay attention to the instructions (subjunctive).

Ojalá que nos pongan una mesa grande.

Hopefully, they set a big table for us (wish).

Formal Group Command

When giving a command to a group of people (ustedes), use 'pongan.' This is the formal way to say 'you all put/place.'

The Subjunctive Mood

The form 'pongan' is the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after words that express doubt, desire, necessity, or emotion, like 'Es necesario que pongan...' (It is necessary that you all put...).

Using the 'g' sound incorrectly

Mistake:Sometimes learners forget the 'g' sound and say 'ponan'.

Correction: The verb 'poner' is irregular and adds a 'g' in many forms, including 'pongan'. Remember P-O-N-G-A-N.

servido

ser-VEE-dohseɾˈβiðo

adjectiveB1general
Use this when a table is ready for a meal, meaning everything has been placed and is ready to be eaten.
A close-up view of a perfectly presented plate of food, such as a colorful pasta dish, resting on a wooden table.

Examples

La mesa está servida. ¡Podemos empezar a comer!

The table is set. We can start eating!

El plato principal fue servido con una salsa picante.

The main dish was served with a spicy sauce.

No más postre, gracias. Estoy servido.

No more dessert, thank you. I've had enough (I am satisfied).

Agreement is Key

When 'servido' is used as an adjective (usually after 'estar' or 'ser'), it must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'servida' (feminine singular), 'servidos' (masculine plural), 'servidas' (feminine plural).

Forgetting Gender

Mistake:La comida está servido.

Correction: La comida está servida. (Since 'comida' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

serie

SEH-ree-ehˈse.ɾje

nounB1general
Use this for a sequence or collection of related things, events, or problems.
A winding, colorful path stretching across a landscape. Along the path, three distinct objects—a red apple, a blue book, and a yellow feather—are placed one after the other, showing succession.

Examples

La caída de la bolsa provocó una serie de problemas económicos.

The stock market crash caused a series of economic problems.

El museo exhibe una serie de obras de arte del siglo pasado.

The museum exhibits a set of artworks from the last century.

Necesitamos analizar toda la serie de datos antes de tomar una decisión.

We need to analyze the whole sequence of data before making a decision.

Si ganan el partido de hoy, aseguran la serie eliminatoria.

If they win today's game, they secure the playoff series.

Singular Subject, Plural Meaning

Even though 'serie' means 'many things' (a series of events), the word 'serie' itself is singular. The verb should match: 'La serie de eventos fue larga' (The series of events was long).

decorado

deh-ko-RAH-dohdekoˈɾaðo

nounB1theatre/film
Use this specifically for the scenery or background constructions in a theatre or film production.
A stage with a wooden house backdrop and two painted trees on the sides.

Examples

El decorado de la película era muy realista.

The movie set was very realistic.

Están cambiando el decorado para el segundo acto.

They are changing the scenery for the second act.

Me encanta el decorado minimalista de este restaurante.

I love the minimalist decor of this restaurant.

Nouns and Gender

As a noun meaning 'a set,' it is always masculine (el decorado), regardless of who created it.

Decorado vs. Decoración

Mistake:Using 'decorado' to talk about the act of hanging Christmas lights.

Correction: Use 'decoración' for the action or the ornaments themselves; use 'decorado' for the overall physical setting or a stage set.

establecido

es-tah-bleh-SEE-dohes.ta.βle.ˈsi.ðo

adjectiveB1formal
Use this for rules, procedures, or times that have been officially decided or fixed.
A large, ancient oak tree with deep roots and thick branches in a green field.

Examples

Debemos seguir el protocolo establecido.

We must follow the established protocol.

Ya tiene una rutina muy establecida en su nueva ciudad.

She already has a very settled routine in her new city.

Los precios ya están establecidos por la empresa.

The prices are already set by the company.

Matching the Ending

Since this is an adjective, remember to change the ending to 'establecida' if the thing you are describing is feminine, or 'establecidos/as' if there are more than one.

manga

MAHN-gahˈmaŋɡa

nounB2sports
Use this for a single division or part of a match, especially in sports like tennis or volleyball.
A gold trophy sitting on a pedestal to represent a stage of a competition.

Examples

El tenista ganó la primera manga del partido.

The tennis player won the first set of the match.

Mañana se corre la segunda manga de la carrera.

The second heat of the race will be run tomorrow.

Sports Terminology

While 'set' is common in tennis, 'manga' is the traditional Spanish word used in sports to describe these segments.

partida

par-TEE-dahpaɾˈtiða

nounB1games/sports
Use this for a game or a round of play, especially in card games or sports.
Two simplified characters concentrating on a checkerboard during a game.

Examples

Esta noche jugaremos una partida de póker.

Tonight we will play a game of poker.

Perdimos la partida por un solo punto.

We lost the match by only one point.

La partida de ajedrez duró más de tres horas.

The chess game lasted more than three hours.

Gender Note

Even though 'game' (juego) is masculine, 'partida' is always feminine. Remember to use 'una partida' or 'la partida'.

ronda

RRON-dahˈron.da

nounB1games/social
Use this for a sequence of plays or a round in a game, or for rounds of drinks.
A wooden serving tray holding five identical glasses filled with sparkling orange soda, ready to be served to a group.

Examples

¿Quién paga la próxima ronda?

Who is paying for the next round (of drinks)?

Perdí todas mis fichas en la última ronda de póker.

I lost all my chips in the last hand of poker.

servicio

ser-BEE-syoseɾˈbi.sjo

nounB2household
Use this for a matching collection of tableware, like plates, cutlery, or glasses.
A complete, matching white porcelain tea service displayed neatly on a polished wooden table, including a teapot and two cups with saucers.

Examples

Compramos un servicio de platos para doce personas.

We bought a dinnerware set for twelve people.

Heredé de mi abuela un antiguo servicio de té.

I inherited an antique tea service from my grandmother.

batería

nounB2formal/technical
Use this for a series or group of similar things, especially tests, questions, or medical examinations.

Examples

El doctor nos sometió a una batería de pruebas médicas.

The doctor submitted us to a series of medical tests.

set

sehtset

nounB1sports/film
Use this loanword for a set in sports like tennis, or for a filming location/stage.
A bright yellow tennis ball rests on a green tennis court near the net pole, symbolizing the end of a game set.

Examples

El tenista ganó el primer set con un marcador de 6-3.

The tennis player won the first set with a score of 6-3.

Si pierden este set, el partido termina.

If they lose this set, the match ends.

El director pidió silencio absoluto en el set de grabación.

The director requested absolute silence on the filming set.

Terminamos la escena y desmontaron todo el set.

We finished the scene and they dismantled the entire set.

Gender Rule for Loanwords

Even though 'set' comes from English, in Spanish it is treated as a masculine noun, so you must use 'el set' or 'un set'.

Context is Key

When talking about movies or TV, 'set' refers to the physical place where the action happens, making it distinct from the sports meaning.

Using the wrong plural form

Mistake:Muchos sets.

Correction: Although 'sets' is sometimes used, it's often better to say 'varios sets' or rephrase to avoid the English plural rule, as the Spanish plural for loanwords can be tricky.

Overusing the loanword

Mistake:Necesito un set de ropa nueva.

Correction: Necesito un conjunto de ropa nueva. (Use 'conjunto' for general collections like clothes or ideas.)

fijado

fee-HA-dohfiˈxaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use this for something that has been fixed or established, like a price or a date, implying it's not going to change.
A metal bolt firmly secured into a solid wooden beam.

Examples

El precio ya está fijado en el catálogo.

The price is already set in the catalog.

El espejo está bien fijado a la pared.

The mirror is securely attached to the wall.

Changing for Gender

Since this word is describing something, it needs to match the item it talks about. If you describe a female noun like 'la fecha' (the date), use 'fijada' instead of 'fijado'.

Fixing a Car vs. Fixing a Date

Mistake:Using 'fijado' to mean a repaired car.

Correction: Use 'arreglado' for repairs. 'Fijado' only means something is set in place or established.

preparada

preh-pah-RAH-dahpɾepaˈɾaða

adjectiveA1informal
Use this informal adjective when things, like luggage, are ready to go or prepared for an event.
A cheerful squirrel wearing a small red backpack and standing next to a tiny blue suitcase, looking eager and prepared for an adventure.

Examples

¿Están las maletas preparadas para el viaje?

Are the suitcases ready for the trip?

La mesa está preparada para la cena.

The table is set for dinner.

Ella siempre está preparada para cualquier emergencia.

She is always prepared for any emergency.

Matching the Ending

Since 'preparada' ends in -a, it must describe a feminine singular noun, like 'la fiesta' (the party) or 'mi amiga' (my friend).

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar preparada' (e.g., 'La comida está preparada') to talk about a temporary state or condition (the meal is ready now).

Using the wrong gender

Mistake:La casa está preparado.

Correction: La casa está preparada. (Since 'casa' is feminine, the adjective must match.)

pusiera

poo-SYEH-rahpuˈsjeɾa

verbB1conditional/hypothetical
Use this subjunctive form when hypothetically talking about setting a table or establishing a mood.
A hand placing a bright red apple onto a simple wooden table.

Examples

Si yo pusiera la mesa, ¿tú lavarías los platos?

If I set the table, would you wash the dishes?

Ella quería que yo pusiera la música más baja.

She wanted me to turn the music down.

Si él se pusiera ese abrigo, tendría menos frío.

If he put on that coat, he would be less cold.

The 'If' Trigger

Use 'pusiera' after 'si' (if) when you are imagining a situation that isn't currently true, like 'If I put the money in the bank (but I haven't)...'

Past Requests

When someone asked or wanted you to do something in the past, the action they wanted you to do often takes this 'pusiera' form.

Don't say 'Poniera'

Mistake:Yo poniera la mesa.

Correction: Yo pusiera la mesa. The verb 'poner' is irregular and changes its stem to 'pus-' in this form.

set

sehtset

nounC1general/colloquial
Use this loanword for a collection or kit of items, like tools, makeup, or even a DJ's music selection.
A bright yellow tennis ball rests on a green tennis court near the net pole, symbolizing the end of a game set.

Examples

El DJ puso un set increíble de música electrónica durante tres horas.

The DJ played an incredible set of electronic music for three hours.

El tenista ganó el primer set con un marcador de 6-3.

The tennis player won the first set with a score of 6-3.

Si pierden este set, el partido termina.

If they lose this set, the match ends.

El director pidió silencio absoluto en el set de grabación.

The director requested absolute silence on the filming set.

Gender Rule for Loanwords

Even though 'set' comes from English, in Spanish it is treated as a masculine noun, so you must use 'el set' or 'un set'.

Context is Key

When talking about movies or TV, 'set' refers to the physical place where the action happens, making it distinct from the sports meaning.

Using the wrong plural form

Mistake:Muchos sets.

Correction: Although 'sets' is sometimes used, it's often better to say 'varios sets' or rephrase to avoid the English plural rule, as the Spanish plural for loanwords can be tricky.

Overusing the loanword

Mistake:Necesito un set de ropa nueva.

Correction: Necesito un conjunto de ropa nueva. (Use 'conjunto' for general collections like clothes or ideas.)

Collection vs. Action

Learners often confuse Spanish words for 'set' as a collection (like 'juego', 'conjunto', 'colección') with verbs meaning 'to set' or 'to place' (like 'poner', 'colocar'). Always consider if you mean a group of items or the act of putting something somewhere.

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