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How to Say "you set" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you set” is “pusiste” — use 'pusiste' when referring to the action of placing or putting an object in a specific location..

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pusiste

poo-SEES-teh/puˈsiste/

verbA1informal
Use 'pusiste' when referring to the action of placing or putting an object in a specific location.
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.'

pusiste

poo-SEES-teh/puˈsiste/

verbB1
Use 'pusiste' when you established or defined a rule, condition, standard, or deadline.
A child's hand carefully placing a bright red toy block onto a wooden shelf, illustrating physical placement.

Examples

¿Qué condiciones pusiste para aceptar el nuevo trabajo?

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

¿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.

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-kahs/ˈmaɾkas/

verbA2
Use 'marcas' when you are setting a pace, a limit, or establishing a record or score.
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).

Placing vs. Establishing

Learners often confuse 'pusiste' (you put/placed) with 'marcas' (you set/establish). Remember that 'pusiste' is for physical placement or setting conditions, while 'marcas' is typically for setting a pace, a limit, or a score.

Related Translations

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