Spanish Phrase
Mete tu tarjeta en el cajero.
Meaning
This command tells someone to insert their bank card into the ATM. It is a direct, informal instruction often heard in banks, shopping centers, or when helping a friend withdraw cash.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone through a banking transaction, giving a quick instruction at an ATM, or in a role‑play scenario where you act as a bank employee or a helpful friend.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Metetutarjetaenelcajero
Imperative (tú) of meter
For regular -er verbs, drop the -er and add -e for the informal command: meter → mete.
Possessive adjective
Use tu (your) without accent when it modifies a noun; su is the formal equivalent.
Preposition en + article
En + el contracts to 'en el' and indicates location or direction: 'en el cajero' = into the ATM.
Cajero vs cajero automático
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the machine is called 'cajero automático'; 'cajero' alone is understood in context.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo saco dinero?
How do I get cash?
Mete tu tarjeta en el cajero y sigue las instrucciones en pantalla.
Insert your card into the ATM and follow the on‑screen instructions.
✕Common Mistakes
Mete tu tarjeta al cajero.
The preposition should be 'en' (into) rather than 'a' (to) when referring to inserting something.
Mete su tarjeta en el cajero.
Use 'tu' for informal address; 'su' is formal and changes the tone.
Mete tu tarjeta en cajero.
The article 'el' is required before 'cajero' unless you say the full term 'cajero automático'.
↔Alternatives
Introduce tu tarjeta en el cajero.
Introduce your card into the ATM.
Inserta tu tarjeta en el cajero.
Insert your card into the ATM.
Pon tu tarjeta en el cajero.
Put your card in the ATM.
Cultural Tip
In Spain and most Latin American countries the machine is called 'cajero automático'; locals often shorten it to 'cajero'. The informal command 'mete' is common in everyday speech, but in a formal setting (e.g., a bank employee speaking to a client) you would use the formal imperative 'meta' or a more polite construction like 'por favor, introduzca su tarjeta en el cajero automático'.