Inklingo

How to Say "you set" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pones

POH-nehsˈpo.nes

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General
Use this when 'you set' means to place or put an object down in a particular location.
A simplified illustration showing a person's hand carefully placing a small, red toy block onto a wooden shelf.

Examples

¿Dónde pones las gafas cuando lees?

Where do you put your glasses when you read?

Tú siempre pones la sal en la mesa.

You always put the salt on the table.

¿Por qué pones esa película tan tarde?

Why do you put on (start playing) that movie so late?

Siempre pones demasiado esfuerzo en tus proyectos.

You always put too much effort into your projects.

Conjugation Alert

Even though 'pones' looks regular, the root verb 'poner' is irregular. Notice the 'g' in the 'yo' form ('pongo') and the 's' in the past tense ('puse').

Poner vs. Llevar

When talking about applying makeup or lotion, use 'pones'. When talking about wearing clothes, use 'llevas' or 'vistes'.

Confusing 'Poner' and 'Ponerse'

Mistake: “Using 'pones' when you mean 'you become' or 'you wear' (e.g., 'Tú pones triste').”

Correction: Use the reflexive form 'te pones' for these meanings: 'Tú te pones triste' (You become sad).

pusiste

poo-SEES-tehpuˈsiste

VerbA1General
Use this when 'you set' refers to an action completed in the past, such as putting an object down or establishing conditions/rules.
A child's hand carefully placing a bright red toy block onto a wooden shelf, illustrating physical placement.

Examples

¿Dónde pusiste mi libro de español anoche?

Where did you put my Spanish book last night?

Tú pusiste la mesa antes de que llegaran los invitados.

You set the table before the guests arrived.

¿Qué condiciones pusiste para aceptar el nuevo trabajo?

What conditions did you set in order to accept the new job?

Tú pusiste el ejemplo de cómo se debe trabajar en equipo.

You set the example of how one should work as a team.

The 'Poner' Preterite Irregularity

The verb 'poner' (to put) is highly irregular in the simple past (preterite). Instead of 'poní' or 'ponió,' it uses the special root 'pus-' and has unique endings.

Focus on Completed Action

'Pusiste' describes an action that started and finished completely in the past, like placing an item down one time: 'Yesterday, you put the box here.'

Abstract Use of 'Poner'

'Poner' can be used abstractly, meaning to create or establish something non-physical, like a rule, a boundary, or a mood.

Confusing Preterite and Imperfect

Mistake: “Usando 'ponías' cuando la acción fue terminada.”

Correction: Use 'pusiste' (simple past) for a specific, completed action. 'Ponías' (imperfect) means 'you used to put' or 'you were putting.'

marcas

MAHR-kahsˈmaɾkas

VerbA2General
Use this when 'you set' refers to establishing a pace, a limit, or in sports, scoring or marking points.
A cartoon hand holding a thick red crayon, actively drawing a prominent, visible red checkmark onto a plain white surface.

Examples

¿Tú marcas los goles en cada partido?

Do you score goals in every game?

Si marcas este número, contactarás al servicio técnico.

If you dial this number, you will contact technical support.

Siempre marcas la respuesta correcta en el examen.

You always mark the correct answer on the exam.

The 'Tú' Form

'Marcas' is the verb form you use when talking directly to one person informally about what they are doing right now: 'Tú marcas el camino' (You mark the path).

Spelling Change in Preterite

Mistake: “Writing 'yo marcè' in the past tense.”

Correction: Verbs ending in -car need a spelling change to keep the hard 'k' sound in the past tense: 'yo marqué' (I marked).

Present vs. Past and Specific Meanings

The most common confusion is between `pones` (present tense, putting something down) and `pusiste` (past tense, put something down). Also, remember that `marcas` is used for setting a pace or scoring, not for physically placing an object.

Related Translations

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