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"Nombrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to mention", and "poner" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to put". Learn more about the difference between "nombrar" and "poner" below.
nombrar(
nohm
-
brahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to mention
Desde que Felipe se peleó con mi papá, en mi casa no se le puede nombrar.Since Felipe had a falling-out with my dad, we can't mention him at home.
b. to name
Apuesto a que no puedes nombrar, en orden, los últimos seis presidentes de los Estados Unidos.I bet you can't name, in order, the last six presidents of the United States.
a. to appoint
Jorge es diplomático de carrera y fue nombrado embajador en el Japón.Jorge is a career diplomat, and was appointed ambassador to Japan.
b. to designate
El DG nombró a mi antiguo jefe vicepresidente de recursos humanos de nuestra organización.The CEO designated my former boss vice president of human resources for our organization.
c. to name
Tenemos que nombrar guardianes legales para nuestros hijos en caso de que algo nos suceda.We have to name legal guardians for our children in case something may happen to us.
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)
