coger

//koˈxeɾ//verb, sexual, false friend

What does coger mean? coger is a Spanish severe that translates to “to take (Spain) / to fuck (Latin America)” in English.

Literal Translation

to take / to catch / to seize

Meaning & Usage

"to take (Spain) / to fuck (Latin America)"

In Spain: to take, grab, or catch (public transportation, objects). In Latin America: to have sexual intercourse.

Examples in the Wild

Spain: Voy a coger un taxi. (I'm going to take a taxi.) vs Mexico: Quieren coger todo el día. (They want to fuck all day.)

4/ 5

Severe. Severe. Not appropriate for professional settings or around strangers.

Cultural Context

FAMOUS FALSE FRIEND. Spanish tourists often cause shock or laughter by saying 'Voy a coger el autobús' (I'm going to fuck the bus) in Buenos Aires or Mexico City, when they mean 'I'm going to take the bus'. In Latin America, use 'tomar' or 'agarrar' instead for 'take'. In Spain, 'coger' is completely innocent and essential vocabulary. The sexual meaning dominates from Mexico southward, except in Caribbean regions where 'coger' can still mean 'to get' or 'to pick up'.