Meaning
To turn red in the face due to embarrassment or shame.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'ponerse como un tomate' is the most frequent idiomatic variation used in casual conversation. Argentines frequently use 'colorado' instead of 'rojo'. 'Ponerse colorado' is the standard way to describe blushing there. In Mexico, it's common to use 'dar pena' (to feel shame/embarrassment) alongside 'ponerse rojo' to explain the feeling.
Match the Gender
Always remember: if you are a woman, say 'roja'. If you are a man, say 'rojo'.
Don't forget the 'se'
This verb is reflexive. Without 'me, te, se', the sentence won't make sense.
Meaning
To turn red in the face due to embarrassment or shame.
Match the Gender
Always remember: if you are a woman, say 'roja'. If you are a man, say 'rojo'.
Don't forget the 'se'
This verb is reflexive. Without 'me, te, se', the sentence won't make sense.
Use 'Tomate' for flavor
If you want to sound like a native, use 'ponerse como un tomate' when you are extremely embarrassed.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'ponerse rojo/a'.
Cuando el profesor me miró, yo ______ ______.
The subject is 'yo', so you need 'me puse'.
Which sentence is correct for a girl?
Marta is embarrassed.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the person.
Match the cause to the reaction.
Juan forgot his lines in the play.
Embarrassment (vergüenza) causes one to turn red.
Complete the dialogue.
Luis: '¡Qué guapa estás hoy!' María: '¡Ay! No digas eso, que ______ ______.'
María is talking about herself.
Match the Spanish to the English.
Ponerse como un tomate
This is a common idiom for extreme blushing.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Ponerse vs. Estar
Regional Variations
General
- • Ponerse rojo
Argentina
- • Ponerse colorado
Idiomatic
- • Como un tomate
Practice Bank
5 exercisesCuando el profesor me miró, yo ______ ______.
The subject is 'yo', so you need 'me puse'.
Marta is embarrassed.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the person.
Juan forgot his lines in the play.
Embarrassment (vergüenza) causes one to turn red.
Luis: '¡Qué guapa estás hoy!' María: '¡Ay! No digas eso, que ______ ______.'
María is talking about herself.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This is a common idiom for extreme blushing.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, but usually you add 'de ira' or 'de rabia' to be clear. Without context, people assume it's embarrassment.
Yes, it is a very common synonym, especially in Latin America.
'Ponerse rojo' is common and casual; 'ruborizarse' is formal and literary.
You can say 'Me puse rojo en la playa' to describe the process, but 'Estoy rojo' describes the result.
Usually no, it's seen as lighthearted teasing among friends.
You say 'Me estoy poniendo rojo/a'.
Mainly embarrassment and anger. For sadness, we use 'triste' or 'deprimido'.
Related Phrases
Ponerse como un tomate
specialized formTo turn as red as a tomato.
Dar vergüenza
similarTo feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Tierra, trágame
similarEarth, swallow me up.
Quedarse en blanco
contrastTo go blank (forget everything).
