agarra
/a-GAR-ra/
grabs
She quickly grabs the apple before it falls.
agarra(Verb (Conjugated Form))
grabs
?takes hold of quickly
,holds
?maintains a grip
catches
?e.g., catching a bus or a cold
,seizes
?formal or strong taking
📝 In Action
Ella agarra el paraguas antes de salir.
A2She grabs the umbrella before leaving.
El bebé agarra mi dedo con mucha fuerza.
A2The baby holds my finger very tightly.
Usted agarra el ascensor en el segundo piso.
B1You (formal) catch the elevator on the second floor.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Subject
When you see 'agarra,' the subject performing the action is always singular: 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'usted' (you formal), or 'eso' (it).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Use (Catching)
In many parts of Latin America, 'agarrar' is often used simply to mean 'to take' or 'to catch,' similar to 'coger' in Spain, but without the double meaning.
The coach shouts, "Grab!"
agarra(Verb (Imperative Command))
Grab!
?informal command to take hold
,Hold!
?informal command to maintain grip
Take it!
?instruction to receive an object
📝 In Action
¡Agarra el cable antes de que se caiga!
A1Grab the cable before it falls!
Agarra fuerte la bicicleta.
A2Hold the bicycle tightly.
💡 Grammar Points
The Informal Command
The 'tú' command (the informal way to tell a friend what to do) is usually the same as the 'él/ella' present tense form. So 'agarra' is both 'he grabs' and 'Grab!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive
Mistake: "Using 'Agarra' when you mean 'Hold on/Hang on' (to yourself)."
Correction: For 'Hold on tight' or 'Hang on,' you need the reflexive form: '¡Agárrate!' (The 'te' means 'yourself').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: agarra
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'agarra' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'agarra' mean both 'he grabs' and 'Grab!'?
This is very common in Spanish verbs! The verb form used for describing what 'he/she/it' does (the third person singular present tense) is exactly the same form used for giving an informal command to 'tú' (you).
What is the difference between 'agarrar' and 'coger'?
'Agarrar' and 'coger' both mean 'to grab' or 'to take,' but 'coger' has a vulgar meaning (sexual intercourse) in much of Latin America, so 'agarrar' is a safer, universal choice for 'to take hold of' or 'to catch.'