Meaning
To get on a train for transportation.
Cultural Background
The 'Cercanías' are local commuter trains. People say 'Coger el cercanías' as often as 'Coger el tren'. Using 'coger' will result in immediate laughter or shock. Always use 'tomar'. In Mexico City, the 'Metro' is more common than 'tren'. People say 'Tomar el metro'.
The Latin America Trap
Seriously, do not use 'coger' in Latin America unless you want to talk about sex. Use 'tomar'.
The 'J' Rule
Always remember: Yo cojo. If you write 'cogo', it's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
To get on a train for transportation.
The Latin America Trap
Seriously, do not use 'coger' in Latin America unless you want to talk about sex. Use 'tomar'.
The 'J' Rule
Always remember: Yo cojo. If you write 'cogo', it's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
AVE vs Cercanías
If you are taking a long-distance high-speed train, you are 'cogiendo el AVE'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'coger' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ el tren de las ocho.
Remember the 'g' to 'j' change for the first person singular.
Which phrase is best to use in Mexico?
Para ir al centro, es mejor...
'Tomar' is the polite and standard verb in Mexico.
Match the sentence to the context.
¡Corre, que perdemos el tren!
The use of '¡Corre!' (Run!) indicates urgency.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Cómo vas a Madrid? B: Voy a _______ el tren.
After 'voy a', we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Train Vocabulary
Actions
- • Coger
- • Subir
- • Bajar
- • Esperar
Places
- • Estación
- • Andén
- • Vía
- • Vagón
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ el tren de las ocho.
Remember the 'g' to 'j' change for the first person singular.
Para ir al centro, es mejor...
'Tomar' is the polite and standard verb in Mexico.
¡Corre, que perdemos el tren!
The use of '¡Corre!' (Run!) indicates urgency.
A: ¿Cómo vas a Madrid? B: Voy a _______ el tren.
After 'voy a', we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend in Spain.
Because in Argentina, 'coger' means 'to have sex'. Use 'tomar' instead.
Yes, 'agarrar' is common in some Latin American countries like Mexico or Uruguay as an informal alternative to 'tomar'.
It is 'cogí' (I took), 'cogiste' (you took), 'cogió' (he/she took).
Yes, usually. 'Coger tren' sounds like Tarzan. Always say 'coger el tren'.
'Coger el tren' is the act of boarding/starting. 'Ir en tren' describes the mode of transport you are currently using.
Related Phrases
Perder el tren
contrastTo miss the train.
Subirse al tren
similarTo get onto the train.
Bajarse del tren
contrastTo get off the train.
