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coge

KOH-hehˈko.xe

grabs, takes

Also: catches, picks up
Verb (Conjugation)A1regular (except for the 'yo' form spelling change) er
SpainSouthern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay)Mexico, Central America, Andean countries (Peru, Colombia, etc.)
A stylized human hand firmly grasping a bright red apple.
past Participlecogido
infinitivecoger
gerundcogiendo

📝 In Action

Ella siempre coge el tren de las ocho.

A2

She always takes the eight o'clock train.

Coge tu paraguas, va a llover.

A1

Grab your umbrella, it's going to rain.

Mi perro coge la pelota en el aire.

A1

My dog catches the ball in the air.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tomar (to take (more formal/common in Latin America))
  • agarrar (to grab/clutch)

Common Collocations

  • coger un taxi – to take a taxi
  • coger el sueño – to fall asleep (Spain)

He/She/It f**ks (vulgar)

Verb (Conjugation)C1irregular (due to register) erslang
MexicoCentral America
Two simple, colorful, stylized puzzle pieces fitting snugly together, symbolizing intimate connection.
past Participlecogido
infinitivecoger
gerundcogiendo

📝 In Action

Por favor, ten mucho cuidado con esta palabra en México.

B2

Please, be very careful with this word in Mexico.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • follar (to f**k (used primarily in Spain))
  • tener relaciones (to have relations (neutral))

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

túcogieras/cogieses
vosotroscogierais/cogieseis
nosotroscogiéramos/cogiésemos
yocogiera/cogiese
él/ella/ustedcogiera/cogiese
ellos/ellas/ustedescogieran/cogiesen

present

túcojas
vosotroscojáis
nosotroscojamos
yocoja
él/ella/ustedcoja
ellos/ellas/ustedescojan

indicative

preterite

túcogiste
vosotroscogisteis
nosotroscogimos
yocogí
él/ella/ustedcogió
ellos/ellas/ustedescogieron

imperfect

túcogías
vosotroscogíais
nosotroscogíamos
yocogía
él/ella/ustedcogía
ellos/ellas/ustedescogían

present

túcoges
vosotroscogéis
nosotroscogemos
yocojo
él/ella/ustedcoge
ellos/ellas/ustedescogen
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "coge" in Spanish:

catches→grabs→picks up→takes→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: coge

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'coge' correctly in Spain, but incorrectly in Mexico?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
coger(to grab, to take) — Verb
cogida(a taking/catch (Spain); sexual encounter (vulgar slang)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin verb *colligere*, meaning 'to gather' or 'to collect.' The meaning evolved in Spanish to 'to seize' or 'to take hold of.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: colherFrench: cueillir

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'coge' have two completely different meanings depending on where I am?

The original meaning of 'coger' (and 'coge') is simply 'to take' or 'to grab,' which is still used in Spain and the Southern Cone. However, in Mexico and Central America, the verb developed a secondary, highly offensive slang meaning related to sex. It’s a very important regional difference to remember!

If I am learning Spanish, should I use 'coge' or avoid it?

If you plan to spend time in Spain, use it frequently! It's an essential, everyday verb. If you plan to spend time in Mexico, Central America, or the Andean region, you should avoid 'coger' and 'coge' entirely. Use 'tomar' or 'agarrar' instead.