Inklingo

How to Say "you grab" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coges

/ko-hes//ˈkoxes/

verbA1informal
Use 'coges' when the primary meaning is to physically take hold of something with your hands.
A hand picking up a bright red apple from a wooden table.

Examples

Tú coges las llaves de la mesa.

You take the keys from the table.

Si no coges el paraguas, te vas a mojar.

If you don't grab the umbrella, you're going to get wet.

The 'G' to 'J' Switch

When you use the 'I' form (yo) or the special 'wishes/commands' form (subjunctive), the 'g' changes to a 'j' (cojo, coja) to keep the 'h' sound. In 'coges', the 'g' stays because it's followed by an 'e'.

The Latin American 'Warning'

Mistake: “Using 'coges' in Mexico or Argentina to mean 'you pick up'.”

Correction: Use 'tomas' or 'agarras' instead in these countries to avoid being accidentally vulgar.

tomes

TOH-mess/ˈtomes/

verbA1
Use 'tomes' when the action implies taking something for a specific purpose or as a choice, often involving a decision to obtain or carry something.
A close-up illustration of one hand offering a bright red apple to another hand, symbolizing taking something.

Examples

Espero que tomes el paraguas si va a llover.

I hope that you take the umbrella if it's going to rain.

No tomes esa decisión sin pensarlo bien.

Don't take that decision without thinking it through well.

¿Quieres que tomes un taxi para llegar más rápido?

Do you want me to get a taxi so you can arrive faster?

When to Use 'Tomes'

'Tomes' is a special verb form used when you are talking to 'tú' (you, informal) about a wish, a doubt, or a suggestion. It often follows words like 'que' (that) or verbs of wishing (querer, esperar).

Negative Commands

To tell someone 'tú' not to do something (a negative command), you must use 'tomes' instead of the usual 'tomas.' Example: 'No tomes mi libro' (Don't take my book).

Mixing Command Forms

Mistake: “No tomas mi dinero.”

Correction: No tomes mi dinero. (The negative command for 'tú' always uses the special 'tomes' form.)

Physical Grasp vs. Taking for a Purpose

Learners often confuse 'coger' and 'tomar' by using 'coger' for any instance of 'to take'. Remember that 'coger' focuses on the physical act of grasping with hands, while 'tomar' is broader and often implies taking something with intent or for a specific reason.

Related Translations

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