Inserte

Inserte is a word form found in Latin and modern Spanish that functions as an imperative. In Latin, inserte is the second-person plural imperative of the verb inserere, used to command a group to “insert [something].” This form appears in Latin grammars and inscriptions as a direct instructional directive addressed to multiple people.

In contemporary Spanish, inserte is the formal imperative form of insertar, used with the pronoun usted. It appears in formal instructions and public-facing text, especially on devices and forms: for example, “Inserte su tarjeta” means “Insert your card.” The corresponding informal singular command is inserta, while the plural formal form for ustedes is inserten.

Etymology and cognates reflect the common origin from the Latin inserere, meaning “to insert.” The Latin form combines in- “into” with a root related to serere, the general sense of putting or placing, which in the Romance languages evolved into various verbs meaning to insert or place.

Usage notes: Inserte is primarily encountered in formal or instructional contexts, such as official notices, kiosk prompts, and payment terminals. It is less common in casual speech, where speakers would use the informal tú form (inserta) or other constructions. In Latin texts, inserte remains a grammatical form illustrating the imperative mood for addressing a group.

See also: insert, insertion, Spanish imperative, Latin imperative.