Indossare vs. mettere vs. mettersi
In Italian, 'indossare', 'mettere', and 'mettersi' all relate to putting on clothes, but they have subtle differences in usage and context.
Indossare
'Indossare' specifically means to wear or put on clothing. It's typically used for garments that cover a significant part of the body.
Maria indossa un bellissimo vestito rosso.
(Maria is wearing a beautiful red dress.)
Per favore, indossa il cappotto prima di uscire.
(Please put on your coat before going out.)
Mettere
'Mettere' is a more general verb meaning to put or place. When used with clothing, it often refers to putting on smaller items or accessories.
Ho messo gli occhiali per leggere il libro.
(I put on my glasses to read the book.)
Metti i guanti, fa freddo fuori.
(Put on your gloves, it's cold outside.)
Mettersi
'Mettersi' is the reflexive form of 'mettere'. It's used when the action of putting on clothing is emphasized as being done to oneself.
Mi sono messo la giacca prima di uscire.
(I put on my jacket before going out.)
Giulia si è messa il cappello nuovo.
(Giulia put on her new hat.)
Summary
While all three words relate to putting on clothing, 'indossare' is specific to wearing garments, 'mettere' is more general and often used for accessories, and 'mettersi' emphasizes the action being done to oneself. The choice between them depends on the context and the specific item of clothing being referred to.