Inklingo

How to Say "to grab" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coger

ko-kherkoˈxeɾ

verbA1
Use 'coger' for the most general and common way to 'grab' or 'take' something quickly, like picking up an object.
A simplified illustration of a hand picking up a bright red apple from a patch of green grass.

Examples

Por favor, coge ese libro de la mesa.

Please, grab that book from the table.

Necesitas coger la herramienta con firmeza.

You need to take hold of the tool firmly.

The G to J Shift

In Spanish, the sound of the letter 'g' changes to 'j' whenever it comes before the vowels 'a' or 'o'. This is why 'yo' changes from 'coger' to 'cojo' (instead of 'cogo').

agarrar

ah-gah-RRAHRaɣaˈraɾ

verbA2
Use 'agarrar' when you are firmly taking or holding onto something with your hand, often quickly.
A cartoon hand quickly grabbing a bright red apple off a table.

Examples

Agarré el paraguas antes de salir porque estaba lloviendo.

I grabbed the umbrella before leaving because it was raining.

Por favor, agarra mi mano, el suelo está resbaladizo.

Please, hold my hand, the floor is slippery.

Direct Action Verb

This verb is transitive, meaning the action always directly affects an object (what you grab or hold). Think: 'I grab [the thing].'

pillar

pee-YARpiˈʎaɾ

verbA2informal
Use 'pillar' in informal contexts to mean 'catch' or 'get hold of' someone or something quickly, often in a playful or competitive way.
A child catching a colorful ball in mid-air with their hands.

Examples

¡Corre, que no me pillas!

Run, you can't catch me!

Tengo que pillar el autobús de las ocho.

I have to catch the eight o'clock bus.

Pilla las llaves antes de salir.

Grab the keys before leaving.

Using 'Pillar' for Transport

In Spain, 'pillar' is often used instead of 'tomar' or 'coger' for catching a bus or train in casual speech.

Pillar vs. Coger

Mistake: “Using 'pillar' for making a phone call.”

Correction: Use 'coger el teléfono' (to answer) or 'llamar' (to call). 'Pillar' is for catching something moving or grabbing it.

arrebatar

ah-rre-bah-TAHRareβaˈtaɾ

verbB1
Use 'arrebatar' when something is taken away suddenly and forcefully, often implying theft or snatching.
A hand suddenly grabbing a red apple from a wooden table.

Examples

El ladrón le arrebató el bolso en plena calle.

The thief snatched her purse in the middle of the street.

No dejes que te arrebaten tus sueños.

Don't let them take your dreams away from you.

Le arrebató el juguete a su hermano menor.

He grabbed the toy away from his younger brother.

Who it was taken from

When you snatch something from someone, you use the small word 'le' or 'a' before the person to show who lost the item.

Sudden Action

Unlike 'tomar' (to take), this word always implies that the action was very fast, unexpected, or aggressive.

Confusing with 'Coger'

Mistake: “Coger el bolso (to mean snatching).”

Correction: Use 'arrebatar' if there is force or violence involved; 'coger' is just for picking things up normally.

General vs. Forceful Grab

The most common mistake is using 'coger' or 'agarrar' when the action is aggressive or forceful. For situations involving snatching or stealing, 'arrebatar' is the correct and specific term.

Related Translations

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