agarró
Wordform Details
Translation: grabbedseized
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpreteriteindicativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: to grab; to seize; to catch; to grasp; to hold; to clutch
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Spanish 'garra' (claw), which comes from Old Spanish 'garfa' (claw), likely of Germanic origin. The prefix 'a-' was added to form the verb, creating the meaning of 'to take with claws' or 'to grasp firmly'. The word evokes the image of a predator's claws seizing prey, which helps understand the forceful nature of the grabbing action implied by 'agarrar'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Agarra tu abrigo antes de salir.
Grab your coat before leaving.
El ladrón agarró el bolso y salió corriendo.
The thief grabbed the purse and ran away.
Agarré un resfriado la semana pasada.
I caught a cold last week.
Agárrate fuerte, vamos a dar una vuelta rápida.
Hold on tight, we're going for a quick spin.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-GARR-ar' as related to 'garras' (claws) - like a bird of prey grabbing something with its claws.
- Imagine a pirate saying 'ARRRR' while grabbing treasure - 'aGARRRar'.
- Connect it to the English word 'garret' (to hold or keep) with an added 'a' at the beginning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In some Latin American countries, especially Mexico, 'agarrar' is used very frequently in everyday speech, sometimes replacing 'tomar' or 'coger'. In Spain, 'coger' is more common for the meaning of 'to take', while in many Latin American countries 'coger' has sexual connotations, so 'agarrar' is preferred in neutral contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to grab' or 'to take', 'coger' is more neutral in Spain but has sexual connotations in many Latin American countries, whereas 'agarrar' is neutral throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Notes: In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, people avoid using 'coger' in public and prefer 'agarrar' or 'tomar' instead.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'agarrar' is always safe to use, while 'coger' requires regional awareness.
Explanation: 'Agarrar' implies a more forceful or firm grasp, while 'tomar' is more general for 'to take' and can be used in more contexts, including taking medicine, drinks, or making decisions.
Notes: 'Tomar' has a broader range of meanings and uses than 'agarrar'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'agarrar' for physical grabbing actions and 'tomar' for more abstract taking.