mettersi

Mettersi is an Italian reflexive verb meaning to put oneself or to assume a state or action on oneself. It is formed from the verb mettere with a reflexive pronoun (si) and is used both literally, when referring to clothing or body position, and figuratively, to describe adopting a behavior, attitude, or activity. The meaning can vary with the accompanying phrases, and many uses are idiomatic rather than literal.

Common uses fall into several groups. Clothing and adornment: mettersi plus a clothing item is used to say that someone puts on that item, for example, mi metto la giacca (I put on my jacket) or si è messa il cappotto (she put on the coat). Initiating an activity: mettersi a + infinitive expresses the start of an action, as in mi metto a studiare (I start studying). States or attitudes: mettersi in forma (to get in shape), mettersi d’accordo (to come to an agreement), mettersi nei panni di qualcuno (to put oneself in someone else’s shoes), mettersi in testa di fare qualcosa (to set one’s mind on doing something). Other set phrases include mettersi da parte (to step aside) and mettersi in gioco (to put oneself at stake).

Grammatical notes: the verb forms mirror those of mettere, but with reflexive pronouns. Present tense examples: mi metto, ti metti, si mette, ci mettiamo, vi mettete, si mettono. The passato prossimo uses essere: mi sono messo/messa, ti sei messo/messa, si è messo/messa, etc. Mettersi can appear in various tenses and moods (indicative, subjunctive, conditional) with corresponding reflexive forms, producing a range of nuanced meanings in everyday Italian.