coge tu mochila
/koxe tu mot͡ʃila/from spelling rules
The phrase "get your backpack" in Spanish is expressed as coge tu mochila.
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to pick up or collect their backpack.
Which one should you use?
Agarra tu mochila and toma tu mochila are informal, while Coja su mochila and Tome su mochila are formal. The verb agarrar specifically means to grab or to take.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Informal versions include Agarra tu mochila and Toma tu mochila. For formal situations, use Coja su mochila or Tome su mochila.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, toma tu mochila is preferred over coge tu mochila because coger can be a vulgar slang term in certain regions.
Did you know?
- The word mochila comes from the Basque word motxil, which is a diminutive of motil meaning 'boy'. It originally referred to an 'errand boy'.
- While coge is a standard, polite way to say 'take' or 'get' in Spain, the same word can cause shock or laughter in a classroom in Latin America.
- While English speakers use 'get' for many different actions, Spanish speakers choose between 'agarrar' for a firm grip and 'tomar' for a more general taking or picking up.
Examples in context
- ¡Agarra tu mochila antes de salir!Grab your backpack before leaving!
- Toma tu mochila y ven aquí.Take your backpack and come here.
- Coja su mochila y diríjase a la puerta.Get your backpack and head towards the door.
- Coge tu mochila ahora.Get your backpack now.
- Coge tu mochila y ven aquí.Get your backpack and come here.
- ¡Coge tu mochila, que nos vamos!Get your backpack, we're leaving!
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are getting ready to leave the park.
- AlejandroMaría, coge tu mochila.María, get your backpack.
- MaríaYa la tengo, Alejandro.I already have it, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEstá bien, vámonos.Okay, let's go.
- MaríaSí, tengo mucha hambre.Yes, I am very hungry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mochila, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
