how do you translate "to get"

Question

get a ball

I would use "Obtenir" or "Recibir" in this context - 0088b3fa, Mar 30, 2011

Welcome to the forum! :) - 0066c384, Mar 30, 2011

thank you. - sunflower64, Mar 30, 2011

This verb must be the most difficult to translate to Spanish - it depends on what you mean to say - ian-hill, Mar 30, 2011

"Get a ball" could be to receive a ball as a present for example. but used as a phrasal verb it could mean almost anything. - ian-hill, Mar 30, 2011

Answer 1

Hello Sunflower and welcome to the SpanishDict forum

If you are telling a dog to fetch a ball you could say:

''íBusca, busca!''

Get is a very open ended verb in English which can be a substitute for many other verbs: These are only a few of the possible examples for others see Lorenzo's link

obtain, = obtener

bring = traer

buy = comprar

You see, it is as obscure as saying: That's a nice house it depends on what you mean by it!

If this does not answer your question please give us a complete sentence as the context is a determining factor in helping you translate your phrase

I hope that helps

thank you. i will be more specific as my conversation expands. really good answer. - sunflower64, Mar 30, 2011

You are most welcome, Sunflower Enjoy this website and all it offers you :) - FELIZ77, Mar 30, 2011

Answer 2

how do you translate "to get"

I would look get up in a Spanish/English dictionary.

Answer 3

However, it is a dangerous word to use in South America because it is considered obscene in some parts.

According to some Colombian friends, it is normal to say "coger el bús/libro/...", and the same about Peru. That's about 75 million people from South America who use this word like in Latin.

Carlos le cogió el sabor a Medellín (from "El Colombiano" - a Colombian Newspaper)

But in Argentina and Mexico, for example, is not a good idea, of course.

A friend of mine from Venezuela in Spain said that it was difficult for her to get used to hearing it used the way it is in Spain. - JoyceM, Mar 30, 2011

They use coger in Ecuador too. It's more about Mexico and Central America. - lorenzo9, Mar 30, 2011

Answer 4

Which one of the 63+ meanings of get do you want to translate?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/get

Answer 5

It depends greatly upon what country you are in, too.

"Coger" is used in Spain to get lots of things including a cab. You hear it all of the time. However, it is a dangerous word to use in South America because it is considered obscene in some parts.

Only dangerous is Mexico and some parts of South/Central America according to both Lazarus and Lorenzo - FELIZ77, Mar 31, 2011