The verb poner combines with nouns to name actions beyond physically placing an object.

The idea

Poner la mesa means set the table; poner atención means pay attention; poner una queja means lodge a complaint.

Examples

  • Pongo la mesa antes de cenar.I set the table before dinner.
  • ¿Puedes poner la mesa para cuatro personas?Could you set the table for four people?
  • Por favor, pongan atención a las instrucciones.Please pay attention to the instructions.
  • Los niños pusieron atención al guía.The children paid attention to the guide.
  • Quiero poner una queja por el ruido.I want to lodge a complaint about the noise.
  • Ella puso una queja en la oficina.She lodged a complaint at the office.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

The meaning depends on the noun: a complaint is submitted, not placed on the dining table.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the noun for setting the table. ¿Puedes poner la ___? (mesa / queja)

    Show answer or example answer

    mesa

    Mesa completes the expression for setting the table.

  2. Choose the noun for paying attention. Pon ___ a las instrucciones. (atención / mesa)

    Show answer or example answer

    atención

    Atención completes the expression for paying attention.

  3. Choose the noun for lodging a complaint. Quiero poner una ___ por el ruido. (queja / atención)

    Show answer or example answer

    queja

    Queja names the complaint that someone submits.

Use it today

Use the three combinations to describe preparing dinner, listening carefully and reporting a problem.