pegó
/peh-GOH/
hit
When something made a physical strike, like hitting a drum, we use 'pegó'.
pegó(Verb (Preterite Tense))
hit
?Physical strike or impact
punched
?Using a fist
,kicked
?Often used when talking about hitting a ball
📝 In Action
El boxeador le pegó un golpe terrible.
A1The boxer hit him with a terrible blow.
La piedra pegó contra la ventana y se rompió.
A2The stone hit against the window and broke.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Past Tense
'Pegó' uses the simple past (preterite) and describes a single, completed action that happened at a specific time: 'He hit the window yesterday.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Check
The 'g' in 'pegó' sounds like the 'g' in 'go'. Remember the accent mark means the stress is on the last syllable: peh-GOH.
When something adhered to a surface, like paper being stuck to a wall, we use 'pegó'.
pegó(Verb (Preterite Tense))
stuck
?Adhered with glue or naturally
glued
?Joined using adhesive
,attached
?Joined firmly
📝 In Action
Usó pegamento fuerte y la foto pegó de inmediato.
A2He used strong glue and the photo stuck immediately.
La pintura pegó muy bien a la madera vieja.
B1The paint adhered very well to the old wood.
⭐ Usage Tips
Reflexive Use
When something sticks to itself or another object, it often uses 'se': 'Se pegó a la pared' (It stuck to the wall).
When someone contracted an illness, we say they 'pegó' (caught) it.
pegó(Verb (Preterite Tense))
caught
?Contracted a disease
spread
?Referring to an illness or idea
,picked up
?A habit
📝 In Action
El virus se pegó rápidamente en el colegio.
B1The virus spread quickly in the school.
Mi hermano me pegó su mal humor.
B2My brother transferred his bad mood to me (made me feel bad too).
When a trend or style became popular or fashionable, we say it 'pegó' (caught on).
pegó(Verb (Preterite Tense))
caught on
?Became popular or fashionable
was a hit
?Was very successful
📝 In Action
Su nueva película pegó mucho en taquilla.
B2His new movie was a big hit at the box office.
Esa canción electrónica no pegó en la radio.
C1That electronic song didn't catch on on the radio.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pegó
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pegó' in the sense of 'to adhere or stick'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pegó' (from pegar) and 'golpeó' (from golpear)?
Both mean 'hit,' but 'golpeó' is generally restricted to the meaning of 'striking' or 'hitting.' 'Pegó' is much more versatile, covering 'to stick,' 'to spread (a disease),' and 'to catch on' (become popular), in addition to 'to hit.'
Why does 'pegó' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is necessary because 'pegó' is a simple past tense verb form, and in Spanish, verbs that end in 'o' in the past tense (like 'habló' or 'compró') must have the accent mark to show the stress falls on that final syllable (pe-GÓ).