Spanish Phrase
Sí, no pongo el despertador.
Meaning
The speaker is confirming a previous question or statement and then saying that they do not set the alarm clock. It can be used to explain why they might be late or to reject a suggestion to set an alarm.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks if you have set the alarm, or when you want to explain that you deliberately did not set it. It works in informal conversation and in a slightly apologetic tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sí,nopongoeldespertador.
Sí (affirmation)
Used to affirm or confirm a statement, often translated as 'yes'.
Negation with no
The word 'no' placed before the verb negates the whole clause.
Present tense of poner
Pongo is the first‑person singular present of the verb poner, meaning 'to set/put'.
El despertador (the alarm clock)
A masculine noun; the article 'el' agrees in gender and number.
Comma after Sí
In spoken Spanish a short pause is common after 'Sí', often written with a comma.
🗨In Conversation
¿Pusiste el despertador para mañana?
Did you set the alarm for tomorrow?
Sí, no pongo el despertador.
Yes, I don’t set the alarm.
✕Common Mistakes
Sí no pongo el despertador.
Learners often forget the comma after 'Sí', which signals a pause and makes the sentence sound more natural.
Sí, no pones el despertador.
Using 'pongo' is correct for 'I set', but some mistakenly use 'pones' (second person) which changes the subject.
Sí, no pongo la despertador.
The noun is masculine; using the feminine article 'la' is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
No, no pongo el despertador.
No, I don’t set the alarm.
En realidad, no pongo el despertador.
Actually, I don’t set the alarm.
No lo pongo, prefiero levantarme sin alarma.
I don’t set it; I prefer to get up without an alarm.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking households, setting an alarm is a common way to show responsibility. Saying you don’t set it can imply a relaxed attitude toward punctuality, so be aware of the context and the listener’s expectations. In formal settings you might replace the informal 'pongo' with 'coloco' for a more neutral tone.