arranca
/ah-RRAHN-kah/
starts
The engine arranca (starts) when the car begins to work.
arranca(verb)
starts
?(engine, machine, car) begins to work
,takes off
?(person) begins to run or move quickly
gets going
?informal way of saying something begins
📝 In Action
El coche no arranca por el frío.
A2The car won't start because of the cold.
Ella arranca a correr cuando ve el autobús.
B1She starts running when she sees the bus.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Form Identification
In this context, 'arranca' is the verb form used when the subject is 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'you' (the formal 'usted') in the present tense.
Spelling Change Rule (C-to-QU)
When conjugating 'arrancar,' the 'c' changes to 'qu' whenever it is followed by an 'e,' such as in the special forms used for wishes and commands (subjunctive and preterite 'yo' form).
⭐ Usage Tips
Starting vs. Turning On
Use 'arrancar' specifically for starting engines or machines that need to be powered up, like a car or a lawnmower. Use 'encender' for lights or electronics.
To arranca is to pull something out by force, like a stubborn weed from the garden.
arranca(verb)
pulls out
?removes by force, such as a weed or a tooth
,rips off
?tears or detaches something violently
yanks
?informal synonym for pulling hard
📝 In Action
El dentista le arranca la muela sin dolor.
B1The dentist pulls out his tooth without pain.
Arranca las malas hierbas del jardín cada semana.
A2She pulls out the weeds from the garden every week.
⭐ Usage Tips
Forceful Removal
Remember that 'arrancar' implies a forceful or violent removal, often involving roots or strong adhesion, unlike simply 'sacar' (to take out).
When commanding someone to start a machine, you say: ¡Arranca! (Start!)
arranca(verb)
Start!
?commanding a friend to start an engine or machine
,Pull out!
?commanding a friend to remove something
Get going!
?commanding a friend to begin moving quickly
📝 In Action
¡Arranca, que vamos tarde!
A2Start (the car), we are late!
Arranca esa pegatina que está fea.
A2Pull off that sticker, it's ugly.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Command
The friendly command form (tú imperative) for almost all '-ar' verbs is identical to the 'él/ella/usted' form in the present tense, which is why 'arranca' serves two purposes.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong command form
Mistake: "Using 'arranque' when talking to a friend."
Correction: Use 'arranca' for friends and family (tú). Reserve 'arranque' for formal situations (usted).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: arranca
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'arranca' is used in the sentence: 'Mi vecino arranca el coche a las siete en punto.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'arranca' have two different grammatical functions (present tense and command)?
This is very common in Spanish! For most regular verbs, the friendly command form (the 'tú' imperative) is exactly the same word as the 'he/she/it' form in the present tense. It saves you from learning extra forms.
Is 'arrancar' used only for physical starting, or can it be figurative?
It can be figurative. You can say 'arrancar una sonrisa' (to elicit a smile) or 'arrancar un compromiso' (to extract a promise), meaning to pull out something non-physical.