This is the 1669th most frequent Spanish word.
ponen
"Ponen" means "they put" or "they place."
Here, 'ponen' is used as the third person plural form of the verb 'poner' in the present tense, meaning 'to put.'
Los estudiantes ponen los libros en la mesa.
The students put the books on the table.
In this context, 'ponen' is part of the reflexive form 'se ponen,' meaning 'they become,' indicating a change in state.
Ellos se ponen muy felices cuando llegan sus amigos.
They become very happy when their friends arrive.
Here, 'ponen' is used metaphorically as 'to pay or direct,' referring to focusing attention.