agarrar la pelota
/aɡaraɾ la pelota/from spelling rules
To say 'get the ball' in Spanish, use agarrar la pelota.
This phrase is used to describe the physical act of catching or grabbing a ball with one's hands.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb agarrar (to grab or seize) and the noun phrase la pelota (the ball).
Which one should you use?
Agarrar la pelota implies a more sudden or physical action of grabbing. In contrast, tomar la pelota is a more neutral way to say 'to take the ball'. Additionally, you may use agarrar el balón when referring specifically to larger sports balls, such as those used in soccer or basketball.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡaraɾ la pelota/
Did you know?
- The verb agarrar is built upon the word garra, which means 'claw'. This suggests that when you 'get the ball' using this verb, you are metaphorically using claws to seize it.
- In some Latin American countries, the verb agarrar is used colloquially to mean 'catching' a cold or a virus. In Spain, speakers are more likely to use the verb pillar for this meaning.
- If you are playing a professional sport like soccer, you should almost always use el balón instead of la pelota. While both mean 'the ball', using la pelota in a stadium might sound like you are talking about a small toy.
Examples in context
- Él consiguió la pelota y anotó un gol.He got the ball and scored a goal.
- Agárrame la pelota y la pasamos al equipo contrario.Get me the ball, and we'll pass it to the opposing team.
- ¡Rápido, agarra la pelota!Quick, grab the ball!
- ¡Corre para agarrar la pelota!Run to catch the ball!
- Él fue a agarrar la pelota en el jardín.He went to get the ball in the garden.
- Trata de agarrar la pelota antes de que caiga.Try to catch the ball before it falls.
Example conversation
A sunny afternoon in a park with two children.
- Daniel¡Mira, la pelota rodó hacia el arbusto!Look, the ball rolled toward the bush!
- ElenaYo voy a agarrar la pelota, Daniel.I am going to get the ball, Daniel.
- DanielTen cuidado de no ensuciarte.Be careful not to get dirty.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, ya la tengo.Don't worry, I have it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agarrar, la, pelota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
