Use of coger?
Hola!
Sé que "coger" es "to catch", pero también tiene otro significado. Alguien ya ha preguntado de eso pero yo tengo una pregunta especifica. Tengo que decir, hablando del baile, que cuando caigo mi pareja "has to catch me" y claro que no quiero decir la otra cosa. Mi profesora es de Colombia y hay estudiantes hispanohablantes de varios paises. ¿Puedo usar coger, o es major usar otra palabra, y cuál otra palabra es mi major opcion para esta audiencia?
I know that "coger" means "to catch" and also something else. There's a similar post already but I have a slightly different question, how to use coger referring to people. I'm talking about dance, and I have to say that I trust my partner to catch me. Obviously in that context I REALLY don't want to say the other thing. I know it's different in different countries. My professor is Colombian, and there are students from several different Spanish-speaking country. In this context, talking about people, is it ok to use coger or should I find another word? What other word fits in this context, and is safest for the intended audience?
9 Answers
Tu español es muy bueno, se nota que te va bien en clase.
Por lo demás, tu profesora colombiana no tendrá problema alguno con el verbo coger, es más, para algunos de nosotros el uso de "tomar" cuando vamos a coger un taxi, bus, etc., suena raro, sobre todo cuando estamos en Argentina, donde el uso de "tomar" es estándar e inflexible.
También podrías usar "atajar" como sinonimo de coger, pero no creo que todos lo entiendan así.
This is one my pet peeves. People make a bigger deal out of this whole situation with coger than they need to.
First of all, let me clarify something. Coger doesn't mean "to have sex" (the vulgar expression) in Mexico, it's used colloquially to express that idea, in the same way we twist the meaning of "to screw".
Coger is is heavily used all over the Spanish speaking world. I heard it used a lot in the Dominican Republic. Learn it because it's important, it's used as much as any other word in Spanish.
Obviously in that context I REALLY don't want to say the other thing.
You hit the head on the nail, CONTEXT. Context will determine the meaning of a word. It will be very obvious when a person is using coger in a sexual manner. That's not to say you won't have friend or someone make a joke if the situation lends itself to that, we do it in English as well.
And the same thing goes for the word chaqueta which also has a colloquial meaning that references a sexual act in Mexico. I wrote about that here:
Another thing people either don't know or overlook. Mexico isn't the only country where coger is used with a sexual connotation. It pretty much carries that colloquial meaning in many, if not all Spanish speaking countries.
Anyway, to answer your question, you could say agárrame, but agarrar can also have sexual connotations. Now you're back in the same boat, LOL. If I'm not mistaken, you do have one more option, sujétame. That one should be free of all potential double meanings.
¡Suerte!
"Cogemos un taxi" or "voy a coger un taxi" or "coge el teléfono" That would be considered offensive? I'm a little shocked that anyone (at least in general) would find the standard uses of coger offensive.
I'm from Argentina, and as somebody already said "coger" is only used in a sexual context. The quoted phrases would not be considered offensive though. They will just think you are a foreigner and laugh at you. Maybe say a joke about it.
A similar case is that of the word "concha". No problem in Spain, but don't use it in Argentina to refer to a shell..
I think it is better for you to do some research by country. I think it depends where you are. For example, in Central America it is weird to use the word as a substitute for "tomar" or "agarrar." Like I said, you better do a research on the word usage by country.
Rodney Sorry but I disagree. In Mexico or at least here in Baja this is a very stong word used only in the sexual context. Use it and you will offend people.
I find your comment very interesting gringojrf. You have way more experience dealing with people in your neck of the woods and quite likely in Mexico in general than I do, but I'm very surprised to hear that.
I will certainly agree that in Mexico coger is used only or primarily in a sexual context, I'm just a bit shocked to hear that it would be considered offensive.
Perhaps you could elaborate a little more. If I or even a Spanish speaking foreigner were to say:
"Cogemos un taxi" or "voy a coger un taxi" or "coge el teléfono"
That would be considered offensive? I'm a little shocked that anyone (at least in general) would find the standard uses of coger offensive.
I'm from Spain and we use "coger" like to catch or take with no problems. I currently live in Mexico and it's very difficult for me to avoid this verb because it's very very common in Spain and every time I use it somebody look at me or with a smile or with surprised face so I think it would be very much better if you choose another verb like: tomar o agarrar in Mexico as well as Guatemala ( I also lived in Guatemala and it happened the same)
If you want you can have a look to my website to find many useful Spanish tips (grammar, idiomatic expressions, false friends...) and interesting articles in Spanish
Gracias! 
In Spain I think it's quite normal: '' Voy a coger el autobús'' is just a statement. As far as I know. Otherwise I've said some pretty suggestive things myself without realizing it..Maybe I have and they just didn't fancy me.
Well, I live in Guatemala and it is used as an act of intimacy- if you know what I mean.
Let's just say you wouldn't say "Me gusta coger peces." Sería "Me gusta atrapar peces."
get over it do not use coger in Mexico use all the other forms but not that one
