Poner: put and put on

The idea

With yo use pongo; with nosotros use ponemos in the present.

Examples

• Yo pongo el vaso sobre la mesa.I put the glass on the table.
• Ella pone las llaves en la bolsa.She puts the keys in the bag.
• Nosotros ponemos los platos antes de cenar.We set out the plates before dinner.
• ¿Dónde pones tu abrigo cuando llegas?Where do you put your coat when you arrive?
• Me pongo los zapatos junto a la puerta.I put on my shoes beside the door.
• Ellos ponen las flores en agua.They put the flowers in water.

Watch out

Ponerse with a reflexive pronoun can mean putting clothes on oneself.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ el vaso sobre la mesa. (pongo / pono)

   Show answer or example answer

   pongo

   Pongo is the irregular present form for yo.

2. Choose the present form for nosotros: Nosotros ___ los platos. (ponemos / ponen)

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   ponemos

   Ponemos is the present form for nosotros.

3. Choose the form for putting shoes on yourself: Para vestirme, ___ los zapatos. (me pongo / pongo)

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   me pongo

   Me pongo marks the speaker putting the shoes on themselves.

Use it today

Describe where you put your keys and what shoes you put on.