Guide: How to Say “Get On” in Spanish

Learning how to say “get on” in Spanish is an essential part of conversational Spanish. Whether you want to express getting on a bus, train, or getting along with someone, it’s important to understand the different ways to convey this concept in both formal and informal contexts. In this guide, we will explore various expressions, idioms, and regional variations to help you master the usage of this phrase in Spanish. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Get On” in Spanish

Formal situations require a more polite and respectful approach when expressing the idea of “getting on.” Here are some phrases you can use:

1. “Subirse a” – This is the most common way to say “get on” in Spanish. It is used when referring to vehicles like buses, trains, or even planes. For example:
   
   

   Por favor, señor, suba al autobús. (Please, sir, get on the bus.)

2. “Abordar” – This term is often used in more formal settings, such as airports or official announcements. It is commonly used when talking about boarding a plane or a boat. For example:
   
   

   Los pasajeros deben abordar el avión en este momento. (Passengers should get on the plane at this time.)

3. “Montar” – Although primarily used for riding, “montar” can also be used to convey the concept of “getting on” in certain contexts. It works well when talking about getting on a horse or a bicycle. For example:
   
   

   Juan sabe montar en bicicleta muy bien. (Juan knows how to get on a bicycle very well.)

Informal Ways to Say “Get On” in Spanish

In informal settings, such as everyday conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, there are different expressions you can use to mean “get on.” Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. “Subir” – This is an informal way of saying “get on” and is commonly used when you want to hop on a vehicle quickly. For example:
   
   

   ¡Date prisa, el taxi está esperando, vamos a subir! (Hurry up, the taxi is waiting, let’s get on!)

2. “Agarrar” – Although primarily meaning “to grab” or “to hold,” “agarrar” can also be used to express getting on a mode of transportation in certain Latin American countries. For example:
   
   

   Vamos a agarrar el metro para llegar más rápido. (Let’s get on the subway to get there faster.)

3. “Ponerse en” – This expression is commonly used to convey “getting on” in a figurative sense, such as getting along with someone or joining a group. For example:
   
   

   Tienes que ponerte en el equipo para tener éxito. (You have to get on the team to be successful.)

Regional Variations

While the previous expressions are widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth mentioning that regional variations exist. Let’s explore a couple of regional expressions:

1. “Madrugar” – This expression is used in Spain to convey the idea of getting on a train or bus early in the morning. It means “to rise early” and is often used when talking about catching the first train. For example:
   
   

   Voy a madrugar para subir al tren de las 6 de la mañana. (I’m going to get up early to catch the 6 a.m. train.)

2. “Arriarse” – In some parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico, “arriarse” can be used instead of “subirse a” when getting on a vehicle. For example:
   
   

   Espero que todos se arriaren al camión rápidamente. (I hope everyone gets on the bus quickly.)

Tips and Examples

To help you further understand the usage of “get on” in Spanish, here are some useful tips and additional examples:

• When using “subirse a,” always remember to include the preposition “a” after the verb “subir.”
• To emphasize the urgency of getting on, you can use phrases like “¡Date prisa!” (Hurry up!) or “Rápidamente” (Quickly).
• If you want to specify the mode of transportation, such as a bus or train, make sure to include it in the sentence. For example, “Voy a subir al tren” (I’m going to get on the train).
• When talking about getting along with someone, you can use phrases like “llevarse bien” (to get along well) or “me cae bien” (I like him/her).

Here are a few more examples to help you practice:

– No puedo subir al avión sin mi pasaporte.
– I can’t get on the plane without my passport. – Vamos a subir al autobús en la próxima parada.
– Let’s get on the bus at the next stop. – Me caes bien, podríamos llevarnos bien juntos.
– I like you, we could get along well together.

Congratulations! You are now equipped with various ways to say “get on” in Spanish, whether in formal or informal situations. Remember to practice these expressions regularly to become more comfortable using them. Happy learning!