Inklingo

How to Say "grabs" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “grabs” is “coge” — use 'coge' when referring to the act of taking or grabbing something, especially in a more general or habitual sense, like taking transportation. It's very common in Spain.

English → Spanish

coge

KOH-hehˈko.xe

Verb (Conjugation)A1general
Use 'coge' when referring to the act of taking or grabbing something, especially in a more general or habitual sense, like taking transportation. It's very common in Spain.
A stylized human hand firmly grasping a bright red apple.

Examples

Ella siempre coge el tren de las ocho.

She always takes 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' when describing the physical action of grasping or seizing something quickly, often with hands.
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).

Choosing between 'coge' and 'agarra'

The most common mistake is using 'agarra' for habitual actions like 'taking the bus' when 'coge' is more appropriate, especially in Spain. 'Coge' is generally for taking/grabbing in a broader sense, while 'agarra' focuses on the physical act of seizing.

Related Translations

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