lo pillo
/lo piʝo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I get it" can be translated into Spanish as lo pillo.
lo pillo is an informal expression used to indicate that you understand something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the direct object pronoun lo (it) and the first-person singular form of the verb pillar (to catch/to grab).
Which one should you use?
While lo pillo is a colloquial way to say you understand, lo entiendo is a more neutral and formal way to say "I understand it". For a different colloquial nuance, ya caigo is also used to mean "I get it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lo pillo is an informal expression. For more formal situations, you might use lo entiendo to say "I understand it" or estoy al tanto to say "I am aware".
Is it said differently in some regions?
lo pillo is more common in Spain than in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pillar is conjugated in the present indicative to express the immediate realization of understanding.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo piʝo/
Did you know?
- If you use ya caigo to say 'I get it', you are literally saying 'I am falling', as if you have finally fallen into the truth of the matter.
- In Spain, a person described as a pillo is not someone who understands things, but rather a 'rascal' or a 'sly person' who is clever in a mischievous way.
- While lo pillo means 'I get it' in a conversation, the verb pillar is also commonly used to mean 'catching' someone doing something wrong, similar to the English 'I caught you'.
Examples in context
- Entiendo perfectamente lo que está diciendoI understand perfectly what you're saying
- Comprendo su preocupaciónI understand your concern
- ¡Ah, ya caigo! No tenía idea de esoAh, I get it now! I had no idea about that
- ¡Vale, lo pillo! No hace falta que me lo expliques másOkay, got it! You don't need to explain it anymore
- ¡Ahora me doy cuenta! Por eso dijo esoNow I get it! That's why he said that
- Sí, entiendo perfectamente.Yes, I get it perfectly.
- Ah, lo pillo.Ah, I get it.
- No te preocupes, ya lo pillo.Don't worry, I get it now.
- ¡Vale! Lo pillo perfectamente.Okay! I get it perfectly.
Example conversation
Elena is explaining a game rule to Mateo.
- ElenaPrimero tiras el dado y luego mueves.First you roll the die and then you move.
- MateoAh, ya lo pillo, es muy sencillo.Oh, I get it now, it's very simple.
- Elena¿Estás seguro, Mateo?Are you sure, Mateo?
- MateoSí, lo pillo perfectamente.Yes, I get it perfectly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
