Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| atrapar | /atɾaˈpaɾ/ |
| capturar | /kabtuˈɾaɾ/ |
| agarrar | /aɡaˈraɾ/ |
| pillar | /piˈʝaɾ/ |
| pescar | /pesˈkaɾ/ |
| descubrir | /deskuˈbɾiɾ/ |
| cachar | /kaˈt͡ʃaɾ/ |
| coger | /koˈxeɾ/ |
Spanish uses different verbs to express 'catch' depending on whether you are snaring a physical object, capturing a person or catching fish. While atrapar generally means to capture or snare, other verbs like pescar are specialized for fishing or metaphorically 'fishing' for compliments or information.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the situation. Capturar is a formal term used for capturing criminals, cities or digital data points. In contrast, pescar is used specifically for catching fish or metaphorically 'fishing' for information. In many Latin American countries, the colloquial term cachar can also mean to 'catch' or to understand/grasp a concept.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pillar is an informal, colloquial way to say someone was 'caught' or 'nabbed', such as being caught in a lie or by the police. Capturar is the more formal option for high-stakes capture.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, agarrar is the most universally understood term for 'catch'. In many Latin American countries, cachar is used informally to mean to catch or to understand.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/atɾaˈpaɾ/
Did you know?
- While coger is used in Spain to mean 'to catch' a bus or a train, it is a highly vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse in many parts of Latin America. A traveler should be careful when choosing between 'catching' a ride and using the wrong verb in Mexico or Argentina.
- The Spanish verb agarrar actually comes from the word for a 'claw' or 'talon', specifically garra. It evokes the image of a predator seizing its prey.
- The word capturar is used for 'catching' digital data or screenshots, treating a piece of software information as if it were a physical prisoner.
Examples in context
- Tom cogerá a Mary.Tom will catch Mary.This sentence shows how to use coger to express catching a person.Tatoeba #5809695 by arh, translation #2215644 by CK
- Cogeré el próximo bus.I'll catch the next bus.This sentence demonstrates using coger for catching transportation like a bus.Tatoeba #2667292 by teskmon, translation #2546093 by CK
- Tengo que coger el tren.I have a train to catch.This sentence shows the use of coger for catching a train.Tatoeba #4392701 by pchamorro, translation #2358837 by CK
- El policía logró atrapar al ladrón.The policeman managed to catch the thief.
- Atrapa la pelota antes de que caiga al suelo.Catch the ball before it hits the ground.
- Voy a coger el tren de las 9 de la mañana.I am going to catch the 9 a.m. train.
- No pude coger el pez. Era demasiado rápido.I couldn't catch the fish, it was too fast.
- ¡Agarra la pelota antes de que se vaya!Catch the ball before it goes away!
- Puedes agarrar el último autobús si te apuras.You can catch the last bus if you hurry.
- ¡Te pillé comiendo pastel a escondidas!I caught you eating cake secretly!
- Si sales ahora, podrás pillar el último concierto de la noche.If you leave now, you can catch the last concert of the night.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are playing with a puppy in the park.
- Sofía¡Mira el perro! Intenta atrapar la pelota.Look at the dog! He's trying to catch the ball.
- MateoEs muy rápido, es difícil atraparlo.He is very fast, it is hard to catch him.
- SofíaCorre más rápido para atraparlo ahora.Run faster to catch him now.
- Mateo¡Lo tengo! Logré atrapar al cachorro.I got him! I managed to catch the puppy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catch” translations and entries atrapar, capturar, agarrar, pillar, pescar, descubrir, cachar, coger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agarrar, atrapar, capturar, pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
