recoge
/reh-KOH-heh/
picks up
Visualizing "picks up": A hand retrieves an object from the ground.
recoge(Verb)
picks up
?He/She/You formal picks up (an object)
,collects
?He/She/You formal collects (items)
,pick up!
?Affirmative command (Tú form)
gathers
?He/She/You formal gathers
,receives
?He/She/You formal receives (a prize, mail)
📝 In Action
Ella recoge los juguetes del suelo.
A1She picks up the toys from the floor.
Señora, por favor, recoge la mesa.
A2Madam, please, clear the table. (formal command)
¡Recoge tu mochila antes de salir!
A1Pick up your backpack before leaving! (informal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Use: Present Tense vs. Command
"Recoge" is used for two purposes: describing what 'he/she/it' or 'you (formal)' does now (Present Tense), AND giving an informal command to 'you' (tú) to do something immediately.
The 'G' to 'J' Change
Notice how the 'g' in 'recoger' becomes a 'j' in the 'yo' form (recojo) and in the special forms (Subjunctive) to keep the hard 'h' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing informal command
Mistake: "Using 'recojas' for the affirmative informal command."
Correction: The correct affirmative command for 'tú' is simply the third-person present tense: '¡Recoge!'. 'No recojas' is only used for negative commands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Action of Gathering
Think of 'recoger' as the opposite of 'dispersar' (to scatter). It’s always about bringing things together, whether from the ground, from different places, or into a summary.
Visualizing "gathers": The act of collecting multiple items into a single location.
recoge(Verb)
gathers
?He/She/You formal gathers (information, data)
,collects
?He/She/You formal compiles or collects (evidence)
compiles
?He/She/You formal compiles (a report)
,summarizes
?He/She/You formal summarizes (arguments)
📝 In Action
El periodista recoge datos para su artículo.
B1The journalist gathers data for his article.
La policía recoge pruebas en la escena del crimen.
B2The police collect evidence at the crime scene.
Este capítulo recoge los principales argumentos del libro.
C1This chapter summarizes the main arguments of the book.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used with abstract nouns like 'información' or 'datos', 'recoger' means to compile or obtain something intellectually, not just physically picking it up.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
For summarizing or compiling, 'recoger' is slightly more formal than 'resumir' (to summarize) and implies careful collection from various sources.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: recoge
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'recoge' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'recoge' is an imperative (command) or present tense?
If 'recoge' is used with 'tú' (you informal) and has exclamation marks, it’s a command (e.g., '¡Recoge el lápiz!'). If it’s used with 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted,' it is the present tense (e.g., 'Él recoge su coche'). Context and pronouns are your clues!
Is 'recoger' reflexive (recogerse)?
Yes! When used reflexively ('recogerse'), it usually means 'to withdraw,' 'to retreat,' or 'to go home' for privacy or rest. For example, 'Se recoge temprano' means 'He goes home early to rest.'