coja
KO-hah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que ella coja el tren a tiempo.
B1I hope she catches the train on time.
Coja este formulario y regrese en cinco minutos.
A2Take this form and come back in five minutes.
No quiero que yo coja su resfriado.
B1I don't want to catch his cold.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'G' to 'J' Change
The verb 'coger' changes its spelling from 'g' to 'j' whenever the ending starts with 'a' or 'o' (like in 'coja' or 'cojo'). This only happens to keep the 'h' sound (like in 'house') consistent.
Subjunctive Use
'Coja' is often used after words that express desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity (e.g., 'Quiero que coja...' or 'Dudo que coja...').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: "Using *coga* instead of *coja* in the subjunctive."
Correction: Always use 'j' in the subjunctive forms: 'Espero que él coja' (I hope he takes), not 'coga'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
Use 'Coja (usted)' for polite, formal commands (like talking to a stranger or elder). For informal commands (tú), you would use 'Coge'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: coja
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'coja' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verb 'coger' use a 'j' in 'coja'?
The 'g' in 'coger' sounds like the 'g' in 'go'. When followed by 'a' or 'o', Spanish changes the 'g' to a 'j' to make sure the sound remains a strong, guttural 'h' sound (like in 'house'). If it were written 'coga', the sound would be too soft.
Is 'coja' (the adjective) considered rude?
Yes, in modern Spanish, describing someone as 'coja' is often considered insensitive or outdated. It is better to use respectful terms like 'persona con discapacidad de movilidad' (person with mobility disability).