agarrarse a
Lemma Details
Translation: to cling to; to hold on to; to grab onto; to stick to
Part of Speech: phrasal verb
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'agarrar' (to grab, to seize) which comes from 'garra' (claw), of pre-Roman origin. The reflexive form with the preposition 'a' creates the sense of attaching oneself to something physically or metaphorically. The word 'garra' likely comes from Celtic roots related to words for 'leg' or 'claw'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Se agarra a sus viejas costumbres y no quiere cambiar.
He clings to his old habits and doesn't want to change.
Durante la tormenta, nos agarramos a lo que pudimos.
During the storm, we held on to whatever we could.
Se agarra a cualquier excusa para no trabajar.
He sticks to any excuse to avoid working.
El niño se agarró a la pierna de su madre.
The child clung to his mother's leg.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'garra' (claw) - like a claw grabbing and not letting go
- Visualize someone 'a-GARR-ing' (grabbing) onto something and not letting go
- The 'a' in 'agarrarse a' points to what you're clinging to
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used both literally (for physical grasping) and figuratively (for emotional or psychological attachment to ideas, beliefs, or habits). In Spanish culture, it can have connotations of stubbornness when used to describe someone who refuses to change their mind or position.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Agarrar' is the non-reflexive form meaning simply 'to grab' or 'to seize' something, while 'agarrarse a' implies clinging to or holding onto something persistently, often with the connotation of not wanting to let go.
This word:
El hombre se agarró a la barandilla para no caerse.
The man held onto the railing to avoid falling.
Confused word:
El hombre agarró la barandilla al pasar.
The man grabbed the railing as he passed by.
Notes: The reflexive form with 'a' indicates a more sustained action and often a stronger emotional attachment or dependency.
Mnemonic: When you see 'se' before 'agarrar' and 'a' after it, think of someone clinging persistently, not just grabbing momentarily.
Explanation: Both 'agarrarse a' and 'aferrarse a' mean 'to cling to' but 'aferrarse a' often carries a stronger connotation of stubborn attachment, especially to ideas or beliefs.
Confused word:
Se aferra a sus ideas políticas a pesar de las evidencias.
He clings stubbornly to his political ideas despite the evidence.
Notes: 'Agarrarse a' is more commonly used for physical actions, while 'aferrarse a' is more often used metaphorically, though there is significant overlap.
Mnemonic: Think of 'aferrarse' as having 'ferr' (like 'ferro' for iron) - an iron grip on beliefs, while 'agarrarse' is more general grasping.