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How to Say "you grab" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coges

ko-hesˈkoxes

verbA1informal
Use 'coges' when referring to the physical act of grasping or taking something with your hand, like picking up an object.
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.

tomas

TOH-mahsˈto.mas

verbA1
Use 'tomas' when the action implies taking something for yourself, consuming it, or selecting it as a choice.
A storybook illustration showing a child's hand reaching out and grasping a bright red apple from a simple wooden table.

Examples

¿Qué tomas para el resfriado?

What are you taking for your cold?

Si tienes sed, ¿qué tomas?

If you are thirsty, what do you drink?

Tú siempre tomas el autobús de las ocho.

You always catch the eight o'clock bus.

The 'Tú' Form

This form is used when talking directly to a single person you know well or are informally addressing. It ends in '-as' for regular -AR verbs.

Taking vs. Drinking

'Tomar' covers both 'to take' (an object, a bus, a picture, a decision) and 'to drink' (coffee, water, alcohol). Context is key!

Confusing 'Tú' and 'Usted'

Mistake: “Using 'tomas' when addressing an elder or boss (instead of 'toma' for Usted).”

Correction: Remember 'tomas' is informal. Use 'toma' (the 'él/ella/usted' form) for formal situations.

tomes

TOH-messˈtomes

verbA1
Use 'tomes' in a subjunctive context, often expressing a hope or instruction that someone takes or brings 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.)

Choosing between 'coges' and 'tomas'

Learners often confuse 'coges' and 'tomas'. Remember that 'coges' is primarily about the physical act of grasping an object with your hand, while 'tomas' is broader, including taking things for consumption or making a choice.

Related Translations

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