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How to Say "wear" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “wear” is “lleven” — use 'lleven' when referring to a group of people being required or expected to wear specific clothing, like a uniform..

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lleven

YEH-vehn/ˈʎe.βen/

verbA1general
Use 'lleven' when referring to a group of people being required or expected to wear specific clothing, like a uniform.
Two cheerful stylized figures standing side by side. One wears a vibrant blue scarf and the other wears a large yellow sun hat, illustrating the act of wearing accessories.

Examples

Pido que todos los empleados lleven el uniforme azul.

I request that all employees wear the blue uniform.

¡No lleven esos zapatos a la fiesta, por favor!

Don't wear those shoes to the party, please! (Formal plural command)

Commands for Clothing

To tell a formal group ('ustedes') not to wear something, use the negative imperative: 'No lleven sombreros dentro.' (Don't wear hats inside.)

use

/OO-seh//ˈu.se/

verbA1general
Use 'use' in the subjunctive mood when expressing a hope or desire about wearing something, or more generally, about utilizing something.
A close-up illustration of a hand holding a red watering can and watering a small green potted plant.

Examples

Espero que yo use el tiempo sabiamente.

I hope that I use the time wisely.

¡Use la escalera, no el ascensor!

Use the stairs, not the elevator! (Formal command)

Ella sugiere que él use un chaleco en el frío.

She suggests that he wear a vest in the cold.

A Command Form

When giving a polite, formal command to one person (usted), use 'use'. Example: 'Use este bolígrafo.' (Use this pen.)

The Subjunctive 'Mood'

'Use' is also the special verb form (subjunctive) used after certain phrases expressing wishes, doubts, or requests, often for 'yo,' 'él,' 'ella,' and 'usted'.

Confusing Commands

Mistake: “Using 'usa' for a formal command (Usted usa el mapa).”

Correction: Use 'use' for formal commands: 'Usted use el mapa.' ('Usa' is only for informal 'tú' commands.)

usan

verbA2general
Use 'usan' to refer to the general habit or action of people using or wearing certain items, especially clothing or accessories.

Examples

Por favor, usen la puerta principal.

Please, use the main door.

ponte

POHN-teh/ˈpon.te/

verbA1informal
Use 'ponte' as an informal, direct command to tell one person to put on an item of clothing.
A child actively putting a bright red baseball cap onto their head with a cheerful expression.

Examples

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'.

póngase

POHN-gah-seh/ˈpoŋɡase/

verbA2formal
Use 'póngase' as a formal command to tell one person to put on an item of clothing, often in professional or respectful contexts.
A person formally dressed putting their arm into a bright red jacket.

Examples

Doctor, póngase los guantes antes de empezar.

Doctor, put on your gloves before starting.

Si va a salir, póngase un abrigo, hace mucho frío.

If you are going out, put on a coat, it is very cold.

Póngase la mascarilla, por favor, es obligatorio.

Put on your mask, please, it's mandatory.

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).

Incorrect Pronoun Placement

Mistake: “Se ponga el abrigo.”

Correction: Póngase el abrigo. (Pronouns always attach to affirmative commands.)

Command vs. Description

Learners often confuse commands like 'ponte' (informal, put on) with descriptive verbs like 'llevar' or 'usar' (to wear/use). Remember, 'ponte' and 'póngase' are direct instructions to dress yourself, while the others describe the act of wearing or using.

Related Translations

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