Coger - common verb

[Cecile83]

Hello!
Since when did the verb coger take such a dirty translation A friend of mine told me that I was not speaking properly around her kids when I asked one of the kids to "Coge a tu hermanita de la mano para cruzar al calle." She told me to use agarrar. I have always used the verb coger for practically anything and was never to suggest anything so rude or improper. It's the base word for recoger, escoger and others? What's up with that? In the dictionary the word is described as to take. Suggestions?

[Rusty]

It depends on the country. In Spain, the verb means to take. In Mexico and some South American countries, it is vulgar. Use agarrar or tomar instead when you're speaking with people from these countries.

Both American English and British English have identical words that are not in common (meanings are very different). The same thing happens with Spanish. The word you use in one country could be totally wrong in the next, literally!

[Elaina]

Perhaps this will answer your question.......

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/cultu...lpepucul_1/Tes


I found it to be quite interesting.........

[Tomisimo]

Moved the thread to a more appropriate area.

[sosia]

I have always the same problem
I use coger for lot of things!!!!! (coger el autobús, coger a alguien, coger algo)
In Spain is the usual word...
saludos