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"Al tanto" is a phrase which is often translated as "up to date", and "poner al día" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to bring up to date". Learn more about the difference between "al tanto" and "poner al día" below.
al tanto(
ahl
tahn
-
toh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. up to date
No suelo leer el periódico, pero veo las noticias en la tele para mantenerme al tanto.I don't usually read the paper, but I watch the news on TV to keep up to date.
b. informed
Me voy a casa, pero si pasa cualquier cosa, ténganme al tanto, por favor.I'm going home, but if anything happens, please keep me informed.
2. (vigilant)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No tengo una llave que pueda darte, pero estaré al tanto para cuando vuelvas esta noche.I don't have a spare key, but will keep an eye out for you tonight.
Me dijeron que todavía no saben de qué andén sale el tren, y que estuviéramos al tanto del tablero de anuncios.They told me they don't yet know what platform the train is leaving from, and to keep an eye out on the bulletin board.
poner al día(
poh
-
nehr
ahl
dee
-
ah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to inform)
a. to bring up to date
Tienes que ponerme al día de los chismorreos del barrio porque llevo un mes fuera.You have to bring me up to date with the neighborhood gossip because I've been away for one month.
b. to update
El ministro de Defensa puso al día al presidente sobre los últimos acontecimientos.The Secretary of Defense updated the president on the latest events.
a. to bring up to date
Este año hice varios cursos y una pasantía, así que tengo que poner al día mi currículum.This year I took several courses and did an internship, so I have to bring my CV up to date.
b. to update
Una vez a la semana viene un contador para poner al día los libros de contabilidad.An accountant comes once a week to update the ledgers.
ponerse al día
A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
a. to bring oneself up to date
Hace una semana que no veo las noticias. Ahora tendré que ponerme al día.I haven't been watching the news for the last week. Now I'll have to bring myself up to date.
b. to get up to date
Si quieres volver a trabajar como oncólogo, debes ponerte al día de todos los avances en el campo.If you want to work as an oncologist again, you should get up to date with all the advances in the field.
a. to get up to date
La empresa recibió una inyección de capital, lo que le permitió ponerse al día en los pagos.The company recieved a capital injection, which made it possible for it to get up to date with the payments.
b. to catch up
María estuvo enferma la semana pasada, pero enseguida se ha puesto al día con su trabajo.Maria was ill last week, but she's caught up with her work very quickly.
