atrapar
/a-tra-par/
catch
Atrapar means to catch a moving object.
atrapar(verb)
catch
?a moving object, an animal
,capture
?a runaway person or animal
snare
?using a trap
,seize
?an opportunity
📝 In Action
El jardinero logró atrapar a la ardilla en la jaula.
A2The gardener managed to catch the squirrel in the cage.
Tienes que saltar muy alto para atrapar esa pelota.
A1You have to jump very high to catch that ball.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object
The thing being caught (the direct object) often follows the verb directly: 'atrapar la pelota' (catch the ball).
⭐ Usage Tips
Usage vs. 'Coger'
'Atrapar' specifically means to catch something moving or to trap something. 'Coger' is more general and can mean to pick up or grab, but be aware it is informal slang for a sexual act in some Latin American countries.
Atrapar can mean to trap someone, often in a difficult situation.
atrapar(verb)
trap
?in a difficult situation
,corner
?physically or argumentatively
catch out
?discovering a lie or error
📝 In Action
Los periodistas intentaron atrapar al político con una pregunta difícil.
B1The journalists tried to corner the politician with a difficult question.
La policía atrapó al ladrón justo cuando intentaba escapar.
B1The police trapped the thief just as he was trying to escape.
Lo atrapamos en una contradicción, ¡así supimos que mentía!
B2We caught him out in a contradiction, that's how we knew he was lying!
When you get stuck, like in traffic, you use the verb atrapar.
atrapar(verb)
get stuck
?in traffic, a routine
,get caught up
?in a situation or emotion
get drenched
?by rain (often used in Spain)
📝 In Action
Me atrapé en el tráfico y llegué tarde.
B2I got stuck in traffic and arrived late.
Se atrapó en su trabajo y olvidó el cumpleaños.
B2He got caught up in his work and forgot the birthday.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you add 'se' (atraparse), the action bounces back onto the person performing it. Instead of 'catching' something else, you are 'getting caught' or 'stuck' yourself.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Atrapar' for Weather
Mistake: "Fui a atrapar por la lluvia. (I went to catch by the rain.)"
Correction: Me atrapó la lluvia. (The rain caught me / I got caught in the rain.) In Spanish, the rain is often the one doing the 'catching' when referring to getting wet.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atrapar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'atrapar' in the sense of 'getting stuck' or 'caught up'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'atrapar' y 'agarrar'?
Both mean 'to grab/catch.' 'Agarrar' means to hold onto something firmly or grab it quickly (like a handle). 'Atrapar' specifically implies intercepting something moving or setting a trap to capture something.
If I want to say 'I caught a cold,' should I use 'atrapar'?
No. Although 'atrapar' means 'to catch,' Spanish uses a different verb for illness. You should use 'pillar' (Me pillé un resfriado) or 'coger' (Cogí un resfriado), or most commonly, 'resfriarse' (Me resfrié).