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How to Say "to fetch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

traer

/trah-er//tɾaˈeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'traer' when the action involves going to get something and returning with it to your current location.
A child wearing a blue shirt and red shorts is smiling while carrying a small woven basket holding a bright red apple, walking directly toward the viewer.

Examples

¿Puedes traer la comida de la cocina?

Can you bring the food from the kitchen?

Siempre traigo mi libro favorito conmigo.

I always carry my favorite book with me.

Mi tío nos trajo un regalo de su viaje.

My uncle brought us a gift from his trip.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'yo' form in the present tense is highly irregular: it is 'traigo,' not 'trao'. This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -aer, -eer, -uir.

Difference between Traer and Llevar

Use 'traer' when the movement is TOWARDS the place where you or the listener are (like 'come here with it'). Use 'llevar' when the movement is AWAY from you (like 'take it over there').

Confusing Preterite Forms

Mistake: “Yo traí por Yo traje”

Correction: The simple past (preterite) is 'traje' (I brought), which uses the irregular root 'traj-'. Remember this strong 'j' sound.

buscar

/boos-KAR//busˈkaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'buscar' when the primary action is going to find and retrieve an object or person, often implying a search or a specific destination.
An adult smiling while holding the hands of two small children outside a recognizable school building, symbolizing collection.

Examples

Voy a buscar a los niños a la escuela a las cinco.

I'm going to pick up the kids from school at five.

¿Puedes buscar el pan en la tienda, por favor?

Can you get the bread at the store, please?

Tengo que ir a buscar mi traje a la tintorería.

I have to go get my suit from the dry cleaner's.

recoger

reh-koh-HER/reˈko.xeɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'recoger' when the action is about picking someone or something up, especially when it implies transportation or collecting items.
A bright yellow school bus stopped at a street corner with a friendly driver waving as a student steps onto the bus.

Examples

¿Puedes recogerme en el aeropuerto mañana?

Can you pick me up at the airport tomorrow?

Mi padre siempre me recoge de la escuela.

My father always picks me up from school.

Using the Personal 'A'

Since you are picking up a person (a specific object), you must use the 'a' right after 'recoger': 'Recojo a mi hermana.'

Choosing Between 'Traer', 'Buscar', and 'Recoger'

Learners often confuse 'traer' and 'buscar' when the action involves retrieving something. Remember 'traer' emphasizes the return trip with the item, while 'buscar' focuses on the act of going to find it.

Related Translations

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