cogerlo
/ko-HER-lo/
to take it
A hand picking up an object illustrates the meaning 'to take it'.
cogerlo(verb)
to take it
?picking up an object
,to grab it
?getting hold of something
to pick it up
?lifting something from a surface
📝 In Action
El libro está en el suelo, ve a cogerlo.
A1The book is on the floor, go pick it up.
Si quieres el último trozo de pastel, puedes cogerlo.
A1If you want the last piece of cake, you can take it.
💡 Grammar Points
Pronoun Placement
In the form 'cogerlo', the word 'lo' (it) is stuck to the end of the base verb because it's in the infinitive form. When you conjugate the verb, 'lo' usually moves to the front: 'lo cojo'.
Spelling Change
When 'coger' is followed by an 'a' or 'o', the 'g' changes to a 'j' (cojo, coja) to keep the sound 'breathy' like the 'h' in 'hot'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Coger' in Mexico
Mistake: "Using 'cogerlo' to mean 'taking the bus' in Mexico City."
Correction: Use 'tomarlo' instead. In Mexico and Argentina, 'coger' is very offensive slang for having sex.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spain vs. Americas
If you are in Spain, use 'cogerlo' for everything: buses, phones, food. If you are in Latin America, stick with 'tomarlo' or 'agarrarlo' to avoid accidental embarrassment!
Catching a moving ball illustrates the meaning 'to catch it'.
📝 In Action
El autobús sale ahora, ¡corre para cogerlo!
A2The bus is leaving now, run to catch it!
Te voy a tirar la pelota, prepárate para cogerlo.
A2I'm going to throw the ball to you, get ready to catch it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Catching Transport
Use this when you are talking about getting on a bus, train, or taxi just in time.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cogerlo
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Mexico and want to say 'take the bus', should you use 'cogerlo'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'lo' at the end of 'cogerlo'?
In Spanish, when a verb is in its base form (infinitive), like 'coger', the object pronoun (it/him) gets attached directly to the end of the word.
Can 'cogerlo' also mean 'to catch him'?
Yes! 'Lo' can mean 'it' (for masculine objects) or 'him' (for a person). Context will tell you which one it is.