Meaning
To become unwell or contract an illness.
Cultural Background
There is a strong belief in 'el resfriado' being caused by 'corrientes' (drafts). People will often say 'te vas a poner enfermo' if a window is open. It's common to use the diminutive 'enfermito' to sound less alarming or more affectionate, especially with children. The phrase 'ponerse malo' is often used as a synonym for 'ponerse enfermo' in casual speech. The verb 'enfermarse' is often preferred over the collocation 'ponerse enfermo' in many regions, though both are understood.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the subject is male or female to change 'enfermo' to 'enferma'.
Ser vs Ponerse
Never use 'ser enfermo' unless you mean someone is a sickly person by nature.
Meaning
To become unwell or contract an illness.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the subject is male or female to change 'enfermo' to 'enferma'.
Ser vs Ponerse
Never use 'ser enfermo' unless you mean someone is a sickly person by nature.
Subjunctive use
Use it with 'Espero que...' to wish someone doesn't get sick: 'Espero que no te pongas enfermo'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ponerse enfermo'.
Ayer, mi hermana _________ y no pudo ir a la fiesta.
We need the past tense (ayer) and feminine singular agreement for 'mi hermana'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Nosotros' requires the reflexive pronoun 'nos' and the masculine plural adjective 'enfermos'.
Complete the dialogue.
Madre: ¡Hijo, no salgas sin abrigo! Hijo: No te preocupes, mamá, no _________.
The son is talking about himself in the future.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Match: 'Me pone enfermo que mientas.'
In this context, the phrase is used figuratively to express that someone's lies are disgusting or annoying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs Ponerse
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer, mi hermana _________ y no pudo ir a la fiesta.
We need the past tense (ayer) and feminine singular agreement for 'mi hermana'.
Select the correct option:
'Nosotros' requires the reflexive pronoun 'nos' and the masculine plural adjective 'enfermos'.
Madre: ¡Hijo, no salgas sin abrigo! Hijo: No te preocupes, mamá, no _________.
The son is talking about himself in the future.
Match: 'Me pone enfermo que mientas.'
In this context, the phrase is used figuratively to express that someone's lies are disgusting or annoying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'enfermedad' is a noun. You must use the adjective 'enfermo'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
They mean the same thing. 'Enfermarse' is more common in Latin America.
Yes, you can say 'Me pongo enfermo de estrés'.
Use the preterite: 'Me puse enfermo'.
In the context of health, mood, and appearance, yes. It's a verb of change.
Yes, it's a more informal way to say 'get sick' in Spain.
Yes, 'Mi perro se puso enfermo'.
Say 'Nos pusimos enfermas'.
Yes, it's very common for explaining absences.
Related Phrases
Estar enfermo
similarTo be sick
Caer enfermo
synonymTo fall ill
Enfermarse
synonymTo get sick
Ponerse malo
informalTo get sick
Coger un resfriado
specialized formTo catch a cold
