Imponen

Imponen is the present indicative third-person plural form of the Spanish verb imponer, meaning to impose, to force something on someone, or to establish rules, taxes, or burdens. It is used with subjects such as ellos, ellas, or ustedes (and in Spain, with ustedes in formal contexts; with vosotros the corresponding form is imponéis).

Etymology and meaning: Imponer derives from Latin imponere (in + ponere), literally “to place on.” In modern Spanish, the senses include laying down obligations, requirements, or charges, as well as enforcing rules or sanctions. The form imponen specifically indicates that the action is being carried out by more than one subject.

Usage notes: In political, legal, and organizational language, imponer conveys authority or coercion when obligations are mandated or penalties are applied. It can also appear in neutral contexts, such as imposing a deadline or a policy, where the emphasis is on obligation or enforcement rather than force. The related noun imposición denotes the act or process of imposing, while imponible can describe items that are subject to tax or charge.

Conjugation and grammar: It is a standard -er verb in its present tense endings, but with a stem that appears in the irregular yo form impongo. Present tense conjugations include: yo impongo, tú impones, él impone, nosotros imponemos, vosotros imponéis, ellos imponen. Note that in Spain the second-person plural forms differ (vosotros imponéis).

Examples: Las autoridades imponen multas por violar las normas. La empresa impone un nuevo horario laboral. Los gobiernos imponen impuestos para financiar servicios públicos.

See also: imposición, imponible, imponer, imponerse.