Inklingo

How to Say "they put" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ponen

/POH-nen//ˈpo.nen/

VerbA1General
Use 'ponen' when referring to the general habit or action of a group of people or things placing something, or when describing a routine.
Two stylized figures working together to carefully place a large, brightly colored red box onto a high wooden shelf.

Examples

Ellos siempre ponen los zapatos en la entrada.

They always put the shoes in the entrance.

¿Dónde ponen ustedes las llaves?

Where do you all (formal) put the keys?

Los meseros ponen los platos sobre la mesa.

The waiters place the plates on the table.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'I' form (yo) of poner is irregular: 'pongo.' This pattern (adding a 'g') is common in many key Spanish verbs like 'tener' (tengo) and 'venir' (vengo).

Poner vs. Ponerse

'Ponen' means 'they put.' 'Se ponen' (using the reflexive form) usually means 'they put on (clothing)' or 'they become (an emotion).'

Mixing up the 'They' form

Mistake: “Ponen los libros en la libreria, ¿verdad?”

Correction: The conjugation 'ponen' is correct for 'ellos/ellas/ustedes,' but beginners sometimes forget the 'n' and say 'pone' for a group.

pusieron

poo-SYEH-rohn/puˈsjeɾon/

VerbA1General
Use 'pusieron' to describe a specific, completed action in the past where a group of people physically placed something somewhere.
Three children collaboratively placing a large, colorful block onto the peak of a tall toy tower in a playful setting.

Examples

Ellos pusieron los libros en la mesa hace una hora.

They put the books on the table an hour ago.

Ellos **pusieron** los libros en la mesa hace una hora.

They put the books on the table an hour ago.

Mis vecinos **pusieron** luces de Navidad muy temprano.

My neighbors put up Christmas lights very early.

The 'U' in the Past

The verb 'poner' is highly irregular in the simple past (preterite). The stem changes from 'pon-' to 'pus-'. This is a common pattern for verbs like 'saber' (supo) and 'caber' (cupo).

Preterite vs. Imperfect

Since 'pusieron' is in the preterite, it describes a completed action: 'They put the keys down and left.' (a single finished event). If you wanted to say 'They used to put...' you would use the imperfect: 'ponían'.

Past vs. Present/Habitual Action

The most common mistake is using the past tense 'pusieron' when you mean a present or habitual action. Remember, 'ponen' is for 'they put' as a general or ongoing action, while 'pusieron' specifically refers to a completed past action.

Related Translations

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