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"Instalar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to install", and "poner" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to put". Learn more about the difference between "instalar" and "poner" below.
instalar(
eens
-
tah
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to install (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Con este clima, tendremos que instalar aire acondicionado.With this weather, we'll have to install air conditioning.
b. to instal (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Cuándo vendrán a instalar el internet?When are they coming to instal the internet?
c. to connect
Es necesario que los electricistas instalen la luz en la casa nueva.The electricians need to connect the electricity in the new house.
d. to put
El miércoles los técnicos de servicio van a instalar el teléfono en la oficina.The service technicians are going to put the telephone in the office on Wednesday.
2. (to situate)
a. to install (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Instalé a mi mamá en el cuarto de visitas.I installed my mother in the guest room.
b. to instal (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
A mí me instalaron en el sillón de la sala.I was installed on the sofa in the living room.
d. to place
Instalé los libros sobre la mesa de la sala.I placed the books on the living room table.
3. (to mount)
instalarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to settle
Me instalé en Italia cuando empecé el doctorado.I settled in Italy when I started my Ph.D.
b. to settle in
¿Ya terminaron de instalarse en su nueva casa?Have you finished settling in in your new house?
a. to be installed
Se puede instalar la actualización en menos de diez minutos.The update can be installed in less than ten minutes.
poner(
poh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to place)
2. (figurative) (to cause to be)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to put
Su renuncia me pone en una situación difícil.His resignation puts me in a difficult position.
3. (clothing)
a. to put on
Después de bañar a la bebé, hay que ponerle ropa limpia.After giving the baby a bath, you have to put some clean clothes on her.
4. (to install)
6. (to grade)
7. (to produce)
a. to put in
Podemos alquilar ese sitio si todos ponemos algo de dinero.We can rent the place if everybody puts in some cash.
9. (to connect)
10. (to name)
11. (to establish)
a. to open
Sandy y su esposo van a poner una panadería en la calle principal.Sandy and her husband are going to open a bakery on main street.
ponerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
12. (to become)
a. to get
No te pongas impaciente conmigo cuando no has hecho nada para ayudar.Don't get impatient with me when you haven't done anything to help.
b. to be
No te pongas triste, cariño. Todo se arreglará.Don't be sad, sweetie. Everything will work out.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me pongo furiosa con pensarlo.It makes me mad to think about it.
El perro siempre se pone feliz al verte.The dog's always happy to see you.
a. to wear
Ya nunca me pongo ese vestido porque se ha quedado muy anticuado.I don't wear that dress anymore because it's very old-fashioned.
17. (to go down)
