atrapar una pelota
/atɾapaɾ una pelota/from spelling rules
To catch a ball in Spanish is atrapar una pelota.
The phrase is used when you intercept and hold a ball that has been thrown or hit.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb atrapar literally means to catch, trap or seize.
Which one should you use?
The form coger una pelota is a common way to express catching or picking up a ball.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the verb coger is used to mean 'catch'.
How do you pronounce it?
/atɾapaɾ una pelota/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using coger in certain Latin American countries, as it can be vulgar.
Did you know?
- The verb atrapar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'trap', as both evolved from the same Germanic roots through the French word attraper.
- In Spanish sports commentary, if a goalkeeper catches a ball, you might hear parar instead of atrapar. This verb focuses on the act of stopping the shot rather than the physical grip of the ball.
- While atrapar is used for catching a ball mid-air, if you are simply picking a ball up off the ground, you should use the verb recoger instead.
Examples in context
- En el partido de béisbol, el jardinero logró atrapar una pelota difícil.In the baseball game, the outfielder managed to catch a difficult ball.
- El portero atrapó la pelota y evitó un gol.The goalkeeper caught the ball and prevented a goal.
- El niño aprendió a atrapar la pelota rápidamente.The child quickly learned how to catch the ball.
- Ahora te enseñaré a atrapar una pelota correctamente.Now I will teach you how to catch a ball correctly.
- ¡Agárrala, Juan! No dejes que la pelota caiga.Catch it, Juan! Don't let the ball drop.
- Mi hermanito está aprendiendo a agarrar la pelota.My little brother is learning how to catch the ball.
- El niño aprendió a coger la pelota en pocos intentos.The child learned how to catch the ball in just a few tries.
- Píllala antes de que caiga al suelo.Catch it before it falls to the ground.
- Si no pillas la pelota, perderemos el juego.If you don't catch the ball, we will lose the game.
- ¡Atrapa la pelota!Catch the ball!
- Él intentó atrapar una pelota con la mano.He tried to catch a ball with his hand.
- Es difícil atrapar una pelota muy rápida.It is difficult to catch a very fast ball.
- ¡Mira! Ella puede atrapar una pelota con un solo dedo.Look! She can catch a ball with just one finger.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are playing in the park.
- DanielSofía, ¡intenta atrapar una pelota!Sofía, try to catch a ball!
- Sofía¡Está bien, Daniel, yo la atrapo!Alright, Daniel, I'll catch it!
- DanielCasi lo logras, pero no pudiste atrapar una pelota.You almost did it, but you couldn't catch a ball.
- SofíaLánzala otra vez y verás.Throw it again and you'll see.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrapar, pelota, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
