Inklingo

How to Say "to grab" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coger

/ko-kher//koˈxeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'coger' when you want to indicate seizing or taking something quickly and often casually, like picking up an object from a surface.
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-RRAHR/aɣaˈraɾ/

verbA2general
Choose 'agarrar' when the action involves a more firm or determined grip, or when taking hold of something to secure it, as in holding onto an object tightly.
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].'

Coger vs. Agarrar Nuances

The main confusion for learners is when to use 'coger' versus 'agarrar'. While both mean 'to grab', 'coger' is generally more about a quick, light action, and 'agarrar' implies a firmer hold. Also, be aware that 'coger' has vulgar connotations in some Latin American countries, so 'agarrar' is often a safer choice there.

Related Translations

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