Learning how to say “catch him” in Spanish can be useful in various situations, whether you’re talking about playing a game, capturing someone’s attention, or apprehending an individual. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase in Spanish. We’ll provide tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Catch Him” in Spanish
When speaking formally, you may want to use specific verbs and phrases that indicate capturing or apprehending someone. Here are a few formal ways to convey the meaning of “catch him” in Spanish:
Atraparlo: This is the most direct translation, and it means “to catch him.” It refers to physically capturing or catching someone.
Here are a few examples:
- La policía quiere atraparlo. (The police want to catch him.)
- Debemos atraparlo antes de que escape. (We must catch him before he escapes.)
Aprehenderlo: This verb is more formal and specifically means “to apprehend him.” It is often used in legal or official contexts.
Example sentences using “aprehenderlo” include:
- La policía ha logrado aprehenderlo. (The police have managed to apprehend him.)
- Quienes intenten huir de la justicia serán aprehendidos. (Those who try to flee from justice will be apprehended.)
Informal Ways to Say “Catch Him” in Spanish
When conversing casually with friends or in informal settings, you may want to use more colloquial expressions to say “catch him” in Spanish. Here are a few options:
Atraparlo: This is the same verb as in the formal context, but used in a more relaxed manner.
Examples of using “atraparlo” informally:
- ¡Atrápalo! (Catch him!)
- Intenté atraparlo, pero se escapó. (I tried to catch him, but he got away.)
Cogerlo: This colloquial verb can also mean “to catch him” and is frequently used in certain regions. Keep in mind that in some Spanish-speaking countries, this word can have explicit or vulgar connotations, so it’s essential to consider the context and your audience.
Examples of using “cogerlo” informally:
- ¡Cógelo! (Catch him!)
- No pude cogerlo, se escabulló entre la multitud. (I couldn’t catch him, he slipped away into the crowd.)
Regional Variations
While the previous expressions are generally used across different Spanish-speaking regions, it’s important to note that there might be slight variations or preferences. For example, in some Latin American countries, “agarrarlo” can also be used colloquially to mean “to catch him.” However, the phrases mentioned earlier will be universally understood and acceptable in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Conclusion
Now you have a range of options to choose from when saying “catch him” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the context, formality, and the region you’re in. Whether you prefer a formal tone using “atraparlo” or an informal approach using “cogerlo,” you’ll be able to express this idea accurately in Spanish. Practice using these phrases, and soon you’ll become more confident in your Spanish conversations!
