In Spanish, coger and tomar both mean "to take," but their usage depends on the region and context. Coger is common in Spain for taking things, transportation, or grabbing, but it can have a vulgar meaning in some Latin American countries. Tomar is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world for taking something, consuming food or drink, or even beginning an action.
- coger: Used for taking, grabbing, or catching (Spain); avoid in some Latin American countries due to vulgarity.
- tomar: Used for taking, consuming, or starting; widely accepted in all Spanish-speaking regions.
tomar is safer because coger can be offensive in Latin America.
Spain
Usage of coger
coger is typically used in Spain for taking or grabbing things, catching transportation, or seizing control. However, in many Latin American countries, coger has a vulgar meaning related to sex, so it’s best to avoid it there.
- In Spain, you can coger el autobús (take the bus), coger una oportunidad (seize an opportunity).
- Avoid coger in Latin America for anything except a literal, non-vulgar context.
In Spain, 'coger' means to take, grab, or catch.
No, 'coger' can be offensive in Mexico.
Usage of tomar
tomar is very versatile and safe to use throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It can mean to take (a thing or service), to drink or eat (consume), or to start (a class, a role, etc.).
- You can tomar una bebida (have a drink), tomar fotos (take photos), or tomar decisiones (make decisions).
- Used in almost all contexts and regions without risk.
'tomar' can be used for drinks, classes, photos, and more.
'tomar' is widely understood and used everywhere.
Regional Preferences
| Region | Preferred for 'to take' (general) | Note on 'coger' |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Coger (common), Tomar | Coger is normal, not vulgar |
| Latin America | Tomar | Coger is vulgar/offensive in many areas |
Latin Americans prefer 'tomar'.
In Spain, they say 'coger el autobús' for 'to take the bus'.
Examples
| Verb | Sentence (Spanish) | Translation | Can you use this verb? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coger | Cogo el tren cada mañana. | I take the train every morning. | Yes in Spain; No in Latin America |
| Tomar | Tomo el tren cada mañana. | I take the train every morning. | Yes, everywhere |
| Coger | Coge un bolígrafo. | Grab a pen. | Yes in Spain; No in Latin America |
| Tomar | Toma un bolígrafo. | Take a pen. | Yes, everywhere |
| Coger | ¿Quieres coger algo para comer? (Spain) | Do you want to grab something to eat? | Yes in Spain |
| Tomar | ¿Quieres tomar algo para comer? | Do you want to have something to eat? | Yes, everywhere |
Both 'coger' and 'tomar' are used in Spain for 'I take the train'.
'Yo tomo el tren' is safe; avoid 'coger' for 'take' in Mexico.
Conclusion
coger and tomar both mean to take, but coger is mainly Spanish (and can be offensive in Latin America), while tomar is universal and versatile.
- Use coger only in Spain for taking, grabbing, or catching.
- Use tomar for taking, consuming, or starting actions anywhere Spanish is spoken.
- When in doubt, choose tomar to avoid misunderstandings.