apoderarse de
/apodeɾaɾse de/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'hold of' can be translated into Spanish as apoderarse de.
The phrase is used when someone takes control or possession of something through effort or force.
Which one should you use?
While the verb tomar means to take or grab, apoderarse de implies a more forceful or complete seizure of control or possession.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the verb pillar is used to mean 'get hold of' or 'catch'.
How does it change in a sentence?
apoderarse de is a pronominal verb that requires the preposition de before the object being seized. For example, the third-person singular preterite form is se apoderó de to mean 'he/she/it took hold of'.
How do you pronounce it?
/apodeɾaɾse de/
Did you know?
- The verb apoderarse de contains the word poder, which means 'power' or 'ability'. To 'get hold of' something in this way literally translates to 'to empower oneself of' it.
- In some contexts, apoderarse can describe an emotion taking hold of a person, such as fear or greed, rather than a physical object.
- While apoderarse de describes seizing control, the word poder also refers to a legal 'power of attorney' in Spanish law.
Examples in context
- Necesito comunicarme con el departamento de recursos humanos cuanto antes.(I need to get hold of the Human Resources department as soon as possible.)
- Voy a intentar agarrar el teléfono de mi hermana para pedirle su opinión.(I'm going to try and get hold of my sister's phone to ask for her opinion.)
- Estoy intentando dar con la dirección de la tienda de antigüedades.(I'm trying to get hold of the address for the antique store.)
- Intentaré pillar a mi amigo para que me pase las entradas del concierto.(I will try to get hold of my friend to get the concert tickets from him.)
- El ladrón se apoderó de la joya.The thief took hold of the jewel.
- El ladrón intentó apoderarse de la joya.The thief tried to take hold of the jewel.
- La empresa logró apoderarse de la nueva tecnología.The company managed to take hold of the new technology.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a historical movie.
- DanielEl villano quiere apoderarse del trono.The villain wants to take hold of the throne.
- ElenaSí, pero el héroe lo impedirá.Yes, but the hero will prevent it.
- DanielFue muy difícil apoderarse del castillo.It was very difficult to take hold of the castle.
- ElenaEs una historia muy emocionante, Daniel.It is a very exciting story, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
