Coger Meaning: Everything You Need to Know About This Controversial Spanish Verb

If you’re currently learning Spanish, you may have encountered the word “coger” and found yourself wondering what it means. Despite its common usage in some Spanish-speaking countries, “coger” can be a tricky word to understand for non-native speakers. In this article, we will explore the origins of “coger,” its various meanings, and how it is used in different contexts.

Coger Meaning

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Coger Meaning

What Does Coger Mean?

If you are learning Spanish, you may have come across the verb “coger.” While it is a common verb in Spanish, it is important to understand its various meanings and contexts, especially if you plan on using it in conversation.

In its most basic sense, “coger” means “to take” or “to grab.” For example, you could use it to ask for permission to take another cookie: “¿Puedo coger otra galleta?” You could also use it to describe someone grabbing a ball that went off the field: “Cogió la pelota que salió fuera de la cancha.”

However, it is important to note that “coger” is also a slang term in some Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, where it can be used to mean “to have sex.” If you are unsure about the context in which “coger” is being used, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it altogether.

In some contexts, “coger” can also be used to mean “to pick up” or “to get.” For example, you could use it to ask someone to get the telephone that is ringing in the living room: “¿Puedes coger el teléfono que está sonando en la sala?” However, again, it is important to be aware of the potential slang connotations of the word.

Origin of Coger

The origins of this colloquial usage of coger are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have evolved from the Latin word “coactare,” which means “to constrain or force.”

In addition, the word coger has a long history in the Spanish language. It can be traced back to the Vulgar Latin word “cogere,” which means “to collect or gather.” Over time, the word evolved to mean “to take hold of or seize” and eventually came to mean “to grab, take, or pick up” in modern Spanish.

Interestingly, the slang usage of coger is not universal throughout the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, for example, the word is considered vulgar and offensive, and is rarely used in everyday conversation. In Latin America, however, it is much more commonly used, particularly in informal settings.

Coger in Different Countries

When it comes to the meaning of “coger,” it can vary depending on the context and the region. Here are some examples of how “coger” is used in different contexts in Spain and Latin America.

Coger in Spain

In Spain, “coger” is commonly used as a synonym for “to take” or “to grab.” Here are some examples:

¿Puedes coger el teléfono? (Can you pick up the phone?)
Voy a coger un libro de la biblioteca. (I’m going to take a book from the library.)
Cogí el autobús para ir al centro. (I took the bus to go downtown.)

However, it’s important to note that in some regions of Spain, “coger” can also have a vulgar connotation, similar to the English word “to fuck.” It’s best to avoid using this word in that context.

Coger in Latin America

In Latin America, “coger” is not commonly used as a synonym for “to take” or “to grab.” Instead, it’s usually used as a vulgar word meaning “to have sex.” Here are some examples:

No me gusta cuando hablas de coger en público. (I don’t like it when you talk about having sex in public.)
Él quiere coger contigo. (He wants to have sex with you.)
No cogeré con alguien que no conozco bien. (I won’t have sex with someone I don’t know well.)

It’s important to be aware of the different meanings of “coger” in different regions. In Latin America, it’s best to avoid using this word altogether and instead use more appropriate and respectful language.

Coger in Popular Culture

Coger is a word that is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries, but it is also a word that has gained notoriety in popular culture. In particular, the word has been the subject of controversy due to its various meanings and connotations.

One example of coger’s use in popular culture is in the song “La Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee. In the song, the lyrics include the phrase “coger el control” which can be translated to “take control.” However, due to the word’s sexual connotation, the line has been controversial and has been the subject of debate.

Coger has also been used in various movies and TV shows, often in a sexual context. For example, in the movie “Y Tu Mamá También,” the word is used several times in a sexual context, causing controversy upon the film’s release.

Despite its controversial nature, coger remains a commonly used word in Spanish-speaking countries, and it is important to understand its various meanings and connotations in order to effectively communicate with native speakers.

Common Phrases Using Coger

If you’re learning Spanish, you’ll quickly realize that the verb “coger” has a wide range of meanings depending on the context. While it can be used in everyday conversation to mean “to grab, take, or pick up,” it’s also a vulgar slang term for “to f***.” Here are some common phrases using “coger” that you might encounter:

“Coge las llaves de mi bolsillo” – “Grab the keys out of my pocket”
“Coge un plato de la mesa” – “Take a plate off the table”
“Coge el que más te guste” – “Take the one you like the most”
“Me gusta cuando me coges la mano” – “I like it when you hold my hand”

As you can see, in these examples, “coger” is used in its literal sense to mean “to grab” or “to take.” However, it’s important to note that in some countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, the word has taken on a more vulgar connotation and should be avoided in polite conversation.

If you’re unsure whether or not to use “coger” in a particular context, it’s always a good idea to consult a native speaker or language teacher for guidance. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using the verb in its various forms and contexts, and you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in Spanish.

Misunderstandings and Controversies Surrounding Coger

The Spanish verb “coger” is a common word used in everyday speech by Spanish speakers. However, it has also caused many misunderstandings and controversies due to its various regional meanings.

In some Latin American countries, “coger” is used as slang for “to have sex,” which can be seen as vulgar and offensive in some contexts. It is important to note that this meaning is not universal and varies depending on the region.

Furthermore, “coger” also has a more innocent meaning of “to take” or “to catch” in Spain. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings when used in Latin America, where it may be interpreted as the slang meaning.

It is crucial to understand the context and regional variations of the word “coger” to avoid any unintended offense or confusion. In some cases, using a different verb such as “tomar” or “agarrar” may be more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of ‘coger’ in English?

The literal meaning of ‘coger’ in Spanish is ‘to grab’ or ‘to take’. However, in some Latin American countries, it can be used as a vulgar slang term for ‘to have sex’.

What does ‘quiero coger’ mean in English?

‘Quiero coger’ is a vulgar way of saying ‘I want to have sex’ in Spanish. It is important to note that this phrase should be avoided in formal or polite conversations.

Is ‘coger’ a bad word in Spanish?

While ‘coger’ is not a bad word in Spanish, it is important to note that its use as a slang term for ‘to have sex’ can be considered vulgar and offensive in some contexts. It is best to use alternative words or phrases when in doubt.

What is the slang meaning of ‘coger’?

As mentioned earlier, in some Latin American countries, ‘coger’ can be used as a vulgar slang term for ‘to have sex’. It is important to note that this meaning is not universal and can vary depending on the country or region.

What is the conjugation of ‘coger’?

The conjugation of ‘coger’ in the present tense is as follows:

Yo cojo
Tú coges
Él/Ella coge
Nosotros/Nosotras cogemos
Vosotros/Vosotras cogéis
Ellos/Ellas cogen

What do Mexicans say instead of ‘coger’ in Spanish?

In Mexico, ‘coger’ can be considered a vulgar term for ‘to have sex’. As such, it is common to use alternative words or phrases such as ‘tener relaciones’ or ‘hacer el amor’ instead.

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