Meaning
To become more energetic, focused, or to start working harder.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the phrase is often used with a tone of 'espabilar' (to smarten up). It's very common in the workplace. Colombians use '¡Pilas!' as a standalone interjection to mean 'Watch out!' or 'Be careful!' Commonly used in schools. Teachers frequently use it to motivate students before exams.
Use it as a self-motivator
Saying 'Me voy a poner las pilas' out loud is a great way to commit to a task in Spanish.
Watch the 'se'
If you forget the 'se', people will look for your remote control!
Meaning
To become more energetic, focused, or to start working harder.
Use it as a self-motivator
Saying 'Me voy a poner las pilas' out loud is a great way to commit to a task in Spanish.
Watch the 'se'
If you forget the 'se', people will look for your remote control!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun for: 'Yo ___ pongo las pilas.'
Yo ___ pongo las pilas.
The subject 'Yo' requires the reflexive pronoun 'me'.
Which sentence is a command telling a group of people to work harder?
Select the correct command:
'Pónganse' is the plural imperative form.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Your friend is playing video games instead of studying for a test in 10 minutes.
This is the standard way to tell someone to focus on what's important.
Complete the dialogue.
Madre: 'Hijo, tus notas son muy bajas.' Hijo: 'Lo siento, mamá. Prometo que _________.'
The son is making a promise about his own future behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Ponerse las pilas'
Estudios
- • Exámenes
- • Tareas
- • Clases
Trabajo
- • Proyectos
- • Reuniones
- • Ventas
Deportes
- • Partidos
- • Entrenamiento
- • Carreras
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ___ pongo las pilas.
The subject 'Yo' requires the reflexive pronoun 'me'.
Select the correct command:
'Pónganse' is the plural imperative form.
Your friend is playing video games instead of studying for a test in 10 minutes.
This is the standard way to tell someone to focus on what's important.
Madre: 'Hijo, tus notas son muy bajas.' Hijo: 'Lo siento, mamá. Prometo que _________.'
The son is making a promise about his own future behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it is generally too informal and could be seen as disrespectful. Use 'Me esforzaré más' instead.
Absolutely! It's very common in gyms or during sports to tell someone to 'ponerse las pilas.'
Related Phrases
Espabilar
synonymTo wake up or become alert.
Estar al loro
similarTo be very attentive/alert.
Hacer el vago
contrastTo be lazy / slack off.
