meter vs. poner

Question

Is it true that meter is used for one thing only?

Meto un tomate en la sopa. Pero poner is for several.

Pongo los verduras en la ensalada.

How do you know when to use them?

Answer 1

Just remember that "poner" is the more general use of "to place, to put or to set" and "meter" means to "to put in or insert"

Por ejemplo: Pongo las llaves en la mesa- I put (place) the keys on the table. Meto la llave en la cerradura- I put (insert) the key in the lock.

• excellent thank you - dewclaw Feb 9, 2012

Answer 2

Meter: to insert, to introduce

Poner: to put, to place.

Answer 3

Poner has so many meanings that it is almost meaningless without context. Meter only has about 50 meanings.

• :) - Castor77 Feb 9, 2012
• ;)) - territurtle Feb 9, 2012
• I'm glad, now I know, easy peasy. - annierats Feb 9, 2012