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How to Say "catches" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coge

KOH-hehˈko.xe

Verb (Conjugation)A1general
Use 'coge' when referring to catching transportation like a bus or train, or when catching a ball in a game.
A stylized human hand firmly grasping a bright red apple.

Examples

Ella siempre coge el tren de las ocho.

She always catches the eight o'clock train.

Coge tu paraguas, va a llover.

Grab your umbrella, it's going to rain.

Mi perro coge la pelota en el aire.

My dog catches the ball in the air.

When to use 'coge'

'Coge' is the verb form you use when talking about what 'he,' 'she,' or 'it' does right now (Present Tense), or when you are giving a direct command to a friend ('tú' command).

Spelling Change in the 'Yo' Form

Even though 'coger' has a 'g', the 'yo' form changes the spelling to 'cojo' (with a 'j') to keep the soft 'h' sound.

Regional Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'coge' in Mexico or Central America to mean 'take' or 'grab.'”

Correction: In many parts of Latin America, use 'toma' or 'agarra' instead. See the regionalism warning below!

agarra

a-GAR-raaˈɣara

Verb (Conjugated Form)A2general
Use 'agarra' for the physical act of grabbing something with your hands, or when catching something less concrete like a cold or an opportunity.
A simplified illustration showing a cartoonish human hand quickly closing its fingers around a bright red apple, demonstrating the action of grabbing something swiftly.

Examples

Ella agarra el paraguas antes de salir.

She grabs the umbrella before leaving.

El bebé agarra mi dedo con mucha fuerza.

The baby holds my finger very tightly.

Usted agarra el ascensor en el segundo piso.

You (formal) catch the elevator on the second floor.

Identifying the Subject

When you see 'agarra,' the subject performing the action is always singular: 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'usted' (you formal), or 'eso' (it).

Transportation vs. Grabbing

The most common mistake is using 'agarra' for catching public transport. While it might be understood, 'coge' is the standard and preferred verb for catching buses, trains, or planes. Reserve 'agarra' for the physical action of seizing something or for less tangible 'catches' like illness.

Related Translations

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