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"Estar de pie" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be standing up", and "ponerse de pie" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to stand up". Learn more about the difference between "estar de pie" and "ponerse de pie" below.
estar de pie(
ehs
-
tahr
deh
pyeh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to be standing up
No se puede estar de pie cuando el autocar está en marcha.You cannot be standing up when the bus is moving.
b. to stand up
No había asientos libres y tuvimos que estar de pie durante todo el concierto.There were no free seats and we had to stand up for the whole concert.
c. to be on one's feet
Cuando trabajas en una tienda, estás de pie todo el día.When working in a shop, you're on your feet all day.
ponerse de pie(
poh
-
nehr
-
seh
deh
pyeh
)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.)
1. (general)
a. to stand up
"¡Ponte de pie cuando esté hablando contigo!" le gritó el director al alumno."Stand up when I'm talking to you!" shouted the headmaster at the student.
b. to stand
La anciana intentó ponerse de pie, pero no tenía fuerzas.The elderly woman tried to stand, but she didn't have the strength.
poner de pie
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.).
a. to stand up
Silvia derribó varios de mis peones al mover su alfil. Los puso de pie y continuamos la partida.Silvia knocked over some of my pawns when she moved her bishop. She stood them up and we went on with our game.
a. to help up
Por favor, ponga de pie a su amigo. - ¡No puedo! Pesa demasiado y está muy borracho.Please help your friend up. - I can't! He's too heavy and he's really drunk.
