coges
/ko-hes/
you take
In this context, 'coges' means you are picking up or grabbing an object, like an apple.
coges(verb)
you take
?picking up or grabbing an object
,you grab
?holding something with your hand
you pick up
?lifting something from a surface
📝 In Action
Tú coges las llaves de la mesa.
A1You take the keys from the table.
Si no coges el paraguas, te vas a mojar.
A1If you don't grab the umbrella, you're going to get wet.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'G' to 'J' Switch
When you use the 'I' form (yo) or the special 'wishes/commands' form (subjunctive), the 'g' changes to a 'j' (cojo, coja) to keep the 'h' sound. In 'coges', the 'g' stays because it's followed by an 'e'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Latin American 'Warning'
Mistake: "Using 'coges' in Mexico or Argentina to mean 'you pick up'."
Correction: Use 'tomas' or 'agarras' instead in these countries to avoid being accidentally vulgar.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spain's Favorite Verb
In Spain, people use this for almost everything—picking up a pen, grabbing a snack, or catching a cold.
'Coges' can also mean you are catching a form of transportation, such as a bus.
coges(verb)
you catch
?transportation like buses or trains
you take
?using a specific route or vehicle
📝 In Action
¿A qué hora coges el autobús?
A2What time do you catch the bus?
Coges la primera calle a la derecha.
A1You take the first street on the right.
⭐ Usage Tips
Travel Tip
When giving directions, use 'coges' to tell someone which street to turn into.
This word is also used as a slang term for intimate relationships.
📝 In Action
¡No digas esa palabra aquí!
B1Don't say that word here!
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'Oops' Moment
Mistake: "Saying '¿Coges el bus?' in Buenos Aires."
Correction: Say '¿Tomas el colectivo?' to avoid a very embarrassing social situation.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: coges
Question 1 of 2
You are in Madrid and want to tell your friend to 'grab the milk'. Which is correct?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'yo cojo' have a 'j' but 'tú coges' has a 'g'?
Spanish spelling rules! A 'g' sounds like an 'h' before 'e' or 'i', but like a hard 'g' (as in goat) before 'o' or 'a'. To keep the 'h' sound in the 'yo' form, we have to swap the 'g' for a 'j'.
Is it ever okay to use 'coges' in Argentina?
Only if you intend to be vulgar. For all other meanings like taking a bus or grabbing a pen, Argentines use 'tomar' or 'agarrar'.