Learning how to express the phrase “picked up” in Spanish is an essential skill for effective communication. Whether you want to talk about someone picking up an object, giving a lift, or understanding a concept, it’s crucial to know the appropriate words and phrases. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to say “picked up” in Spanish, along with some useful tips and examples to enhance your understanding.
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Formal Ways to Say “Picked Up” in Spanish
When you want to convey a sense of formality while saying “picked up” in Spanish, you can use the following phrases:
- Recogí: This is the most common formal way to say “picked up.” It is the past tense of the verb “recoger” which means “to pick up” in Spanish. Example: Recogí el paquete en la oficina de correos. (I picked up the package at the post office.)
- Levanté: This formal option can be used when “picked up” involves lifting something. It is derived from the verb “levantar” which translates to “to lift” in English. Example: Levanté la caja y la puse en el estante. (I picked up the box and put it on the shelf.)
- Tomé: This phrase is formally used to say “picked up” when it refers to taking something with your hands. It comes from the verb “tomar” meaning “to take” in English. Example: Tomé el libro y lo guardé en mi mochila. (I picked up the book and put it in my backpack.)
Informal Ways to Say “Picked Up” in Spanish
For more casual or informal contexts, you can use the following expressions when expressing “picked up” in Spanish:
- Cogí: This is a common way to informally say “picked up.” It is the past tense of the verb “coger” which means “to pick up” or “to grab” in Spanish. Example: Cogí mis llaves y salí de casa. (I picked up my keys and left home.)
- Agarré: This informal term is used when “picked up” involves grabbing or snatching something. It is derived from the verb “agarrar” meaning “to grab” in English. Example: Agarré el periódico y lo leí durante el desayuno. (I picked up the newspaper and read it during breakfast.)
- Pillé: This expression is colloquial and popular, mainly used in some Spanish-speaking regions such as Spain and parts of Latin America. It translates to “to catch” or “to pick up” in English. Example: Pillé un taxi para ir al aeropuerto. (I picked up a taxi to go to the airport.)
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand the usage of “picked up” in different contexts:
Picking Up Objects
- Recuerda recoger tus pertenencias: Remember to pick up your belongings.
- La niña cogió el juguete del suelo: The girl picked up the toy from the floor.
Giving a Lift
- Le pedí a mi hermano que me recogiera en el trabajo: I asked my brother to pick me up from work.
- Voy a levantar a Juan camino a casa: I’ll pick Juan up on the way home.
Understanding a Concept
- Al final, todos cogieron la idea: In the end, everyone picked up the idea.
- Tomé rápidamente lo que me estaba diciendo: I quickly picked up what he was telling me.
Pro Tip: When you hear native Spanish speakers using different expressions for “picked up,” make sure to note them down. Regional variations in vocabulary and phrases can enrich your understanding of the language.
Learning how to say “picked up” in Spanish is an essential step toward fluency and effective communication. Whether you want to communicate formally or casually, feel free to use the phrases provided in this guide. Remember to practice using these expressions in different contexts to expand your fluency and familiarity with the Spanish language. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
