Inklingo

How to Say "they broadcast" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ponen

/POH-nen//ˈpo.nen/

VerbA2media context
Use 'ponen' when referring to the act of playing or broadcasting music, shows, or other media content, often in a general or habitual sense.
Two simple figures standing next to a large, retro television set. One figure is pressing the power button, and the screen is instantly illuminating with bright blue light.

Examples

Siempre ponen música clásica en este café.

They always play classical music in this cafe.

Los niños ponen la televisión tan pronto llegan a casa.

The children turn on the TV as soon as they get home.

Ponen un programa de noticias a las nueve.

They broadcast a news program at nine.

Using 'Poner' for Media

Unlike English, which uses 'turn on' or 'play,' Spanish often uses 'poner' when deciding what media to consume or start (e.g., music, a movie, the radio).

Overusing 'encender'

Mistake: “Ellos encienden música.”

Correction: While technically correct for a light switch, 'ponen música' sounds much more natural when referring to playing audio or video.

pusieron

poo-SYEH-rohn/puˈsjeɾon/

VerbA2TV/radio
Use 'pusieron' to describe the action of starting or putting on a specific show, movie, or broadcast, often implying a completed action in the past.
Two cartoon figures turning on a vintage radio by pushing a large, clearly visible power button, which causes the radio speaker to emit a bright, friendly glow.

Examples

Los niños pusieron su película favorita en el DVD.

The children put on their favorite movie on the DVD player (or: The children started their favorite movie).

Los niños **pusieron** su película favorita en el DVD.

The children put on their favorite movie on the DVD player (or: The children started their favorite movie).

Cuando llegamos, ya **pusieron** el himno nacional.

When we arrived, they had already played the national anthem.

Choosing between 'ponen' and 'pusieron'

Learners often confuse 'ponen' and 'pusieron' because both relate to broadcasting or playing media. Remember that 'ponen' is more general for playing/broadcasting, while 'pusieron' specifically refers to the action of starting or putting on a particular piece of media, like a movie or show.

Related Translations

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