sacar
/saˈkaɾ/
The English phrase 'pull out' is translated into Spanish as sacar.
sacar is used to mean 'to pull out', but it is also the standard verb for 'to take out' or 'to remove', such as taking an item out of a bag.
Meaning: to withdraw (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sacar is the general term for pulling out or taking out, extraer is a more specific option that translates closer to 'to extract'. Additionally, retirarse can be used as a formal way to express the concept of pulling out or withdrawing.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the third-person singular preterite (past tense) form, use sacó to say 'he/she/it pulled out'. To give an informal singular command meaning 'pull out!', use the form sacas.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- The phrase sacar los trapos sucios literally means 'to take out the dirty laundry' and is used when people reveal hidden secrets or scandals about each other.
- In Spanish, sacar is the standard verb used for taking a photo, as in sacar una foto. This is the equivalent of 'snapping' or 'taking' a picture in English.
- When a student gets a grade on a test in many Spanish-speaking countries, they use the verb sacar, such as sacó un diez to say they 'got' a ten.
Examples in context
- Era imposible sacar el tapón.It was impossible to pull out the cork.This sentence shows the use of sacar regarding a cork.Tatoeba #10087045 by saverius, translation #1723934 by belgavox
- Alguien debe sacar sus propios ojos, y no ver ninguna criatura, antes de que pueda decir, que no ve a Dios. Alguien tiene que no ser ningún hombre, y extinguir su alma razonable, antes de que pueda decirse a sí mismo, que no hay Dios.He must pull out his own eyes, and see no creature, before he can say, he sees no God. He must be no man, and quench his reasonable soul, before he can say to himself, there is no God.This sentence uses sacar in a metaphorical or extreme context regarding eyes.Tatoeba #3577056 by carlosalberto, translation #3576866 by carlosalberto
- El conductor se retiró del estacionamiento.The driver pulled out of the parking lot.
- El experto extrajo el objeto cuidadosamente.The expert pulled out the object carefully.
- ¡Saca la llave del carro, por favor!Pull out the car key, please!
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in the kitchen cleaning up after a meal.
- Alejandro¿Puedes sacar la basura, por favor?Can you take out the trash, please?
- MaríaSí, la sacaré ahora mismo.Yes, I will take it out right now.
- AlejandroGracias, María.Thanks, María.
- MaríaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sacar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
