What Does Pegar Mean in Portuguese? Catch, Grab, Take, and More
Pegar changes meaning with context. Learn how it works in everyday sentences instead of memorizing one translation.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Pegar can mean to pick up, take, or grab an object. The surrounding noun and situation help you understand which English verb fits.
Use pegar for taking or grabbing something
In a request, say what you want someone to pick up and where. Use por favor to make it courteous.
Pode pegar minha bolsa?
Could you get my bag?
Vou pegar um copo de água.
I’m going to get a glass of water.
Pegue o recibo na mesa.
Pick up the receipt on the table.
Use pegar for catching transport
In conversation, pegar a bus or train means to catch or take it. Brazilians commonly say pegar o ônibus when talking about taking the bus.
This sense appears in practical travel phrases. For ticket and stop questions, see our guide to Portuguese on buses and the metro.
Vou pegar o ônibus das oito.
I’m going to catch the eight o’clock bus.
Onde eu pego o metrô?
Where do I catch the metro?
Você pega esse trem todos os dias?
Do you take this train every day?
Learn common expressions as complete phrases
Pegar uma gripe means to catch a cold or flu-like illness. Pegar sol means to get sun exposure. These expressions are not interchangeable with the literal meaning of pegar in every sentence.
If an unfamiliar use appears, note the whole phrase and the situation. Compare the verb with levar or trazer only when the sentence gives you enough context.
Acho que peguei uma gripe.
I think I caught a cold.
Não quero pegar muito sol hoje.
I don’t want to get too much sun today.
Você pode pegar a encomenda para mim?
Could you pick up the package for me?
Put it into practice
Record three full phrases with pegar and label the meaning from context: get an object, take transport, or appear in a common expression.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Could you pick up the package for me”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.