Coger is a versatile Spanish verb meaning “to grab,” “to take,” or “to catch,” commonly used in everyday situations where you seize or pick something up. However, in some countries, especially in Latin America, coger can have a vulgar connotation, so it’s often replaced by other verbs like tomar.
- Meaning: to grab, to take, to catch
- Usage: grabbing objects, taking transportation, catching
- Caution: Avoid in some Latin American countries due to vulgar meaning; use tomar instead
Basic Usage
At its core, coger expresses the action of physically grabbing or taking something. It can be used for tangible things (e.g., a pen, food) as well as more abstract “takes” (e.g., taking a chance).
- To grab a pen: "Cogí un bolígrafo." (I grabbed a pen.)
- To take a bus: "Cogemos el autobús todos los días." (We take the bus every day.)
'coger' means to grab, take, or catch.
Regional Caution
Beware: In many Latin American countries, coger is slang for a sexual act and is best avoided to prevent misunderstandings. In those areas, tomar is the safer choice for “to take.”
- In Spain: coger is standard and widely used.
- In much of Latin America: Avoid coger; use tomar instead.
'Coger' can be offensive in Latin America due to a slang meaning.
Conjugation Highlights
coger is a regular -er verb with a small spelling change in the “yo” form to preserve pronunciation: yo cojo. This applies to similar verbs like escoger (to choose).
| Tense | Example (Yo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Present | cojo | (I grab/take) |
| Preterite | cogí | (I grabbed) |
| Imperfect | cogía | (I used to grab) |
| Future | cogeré | (I will grab) |
| Subjunctive | coja | (that I grab) |
- Present: Cojo el abrigo cuando hace frío. (I grab the coat when it’s cold.)
- Preterite: Cogí un resfriado. (I caught a cold.)
- Imperfect: Cogíamos caramelos de niños. (We used to grab candies as kids.)
Yo cojo (I grab/take).
'coger' is cojo (present), cogí (preterite), cogeré (future).
Common Expressions with Coger
- Cogerse un resfriado: to catch a cold
- Cogerse de la mano: to hold hands
- Cogerse unas vacaciones: to take a vacation
These usage examples may vary by region, especially those with reflexive cogerse.
- Cogí un resfriado la semana pasada. (I caught a cold last week.)
- Nos cogimos de la mano en el parque. (We held hands in the park.)
'coger' is used in expressions like catching a cold and holding hands.
Coger* is a practical verb for “grabbing” or “taking,” but you must mind regional sensitivities to avoid misunderstandings in Latin America, where it can be offensive.
- Coger means to grab/take and is common in Spain.
- Avoid coger in many Latin American countries; prefer tomar.
- Its core use is “to seize,” whether for objects, transport, or some expressions.