`Sacar` vs. `Quitar`

To keep the hard 'k' sound in the past tense, the letter 'c' changes to 'qu' before an 'e' in the 'yo' form. So, 'yo saco' (I take out) becomes 'yo saqué' (I took out). This happens with all verbs ending in '-car'.

The 'yo' form spelling change in the past

Extremely common. This is the first meaning you'll learn and use.

Think of this use of `sacar` as 'pulling' something out of a larger system. You 'pull' a grade from the school's grading system, or 'pull' a ticket from the event's ticketing system. It's a very natural way to say you obtained something official.

Getting Things from a System

Very common, especially in academic and everyday contexts.

Both `sacar una foto` and `tomar una foto` are correct and widely used. `Sacar` is extremely common, so don't be surprised to hear it more often. Imagine you're 'taking out' an image from the real world with your camera.

`Sacar` or `Tomar` for Photos?

The standard way to talk about taking pictures.

This is a figurative use of the main meaning. You are mentally 'taking out' an answer from a puzzle or a conclusion from a set of facts, just like you'd physically take a book out of a bag.

Mental 'Taking Out'

A more abstract but still common meaning.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'sacar'. See definitions for 'to take out', 'to get', 'to take a photo', and 'to figure out', plus full conjugations, examples, and usage tips.

sacar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations