Inklingo

How to Say "you catch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coges

/ko-hes//ˈkoxes/

verbA2general
Use 'coges' when referring to catching or taking transportation like buses, trains, or planes.
A person standing at a bus stop as a bright yellow bus approaches.

Examples

¿A qué hora coges el autobús?

What time do you catch the bus?

Coges la primera calle a la derecha.

You take the first street on the right.

tomes

TOH-mess/ˈtomes/

verbB1general
Use 'tomes' when you need someone to specifically take a particular mode of transport, often implying a choice or necessity.
A colorful illustration of a simplified character standing at a bus stop, waiting for a bright yellow bus approaching in the background.

Examples

Necesito que tomes el tren de las cinco si quieres llegar a tiempo.

I need you to take the five o'clock train if you want to arrive on time.

Ten cuidado que no tomes un resfriado con este frío.

Be careful that you don't catch a cold in this weather.

Taking Photos

While 'sacar una foto' (to take out a photo) is also common, 'tomar una foto' is the standard way to say 'to take a photograph' in much of Latin America.

Coger vs. Tomar for Transportation

The main confusion arises between 'coger' and 'tomar' when discussing transportation. While 'coger' is common for the general act of catching transport, 'tomar' is often preferred when specifying a particular train or bus you need to catch, or when the act of taking it is the focus.

Related Translations

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