Learn Hardcore Spanish (Spain): Coge tu impermeable si quieres pasear bajo la lluvia esta tarde. - Take your raincoat if you want to go for a walk in the rain this afternoon.

In Spain, coger is very common for “to take” or “to pick up.” Toma can sometimes sound more like “have this” or “take this” when handing something to someone. Coger is the usual choice in Spain for picking up an object, so coge tu impermeable means “pick up your raincoat.”

What does impermeable mean, and could I use another word?

Impermeable literally means “waterproof” or “raincoat.” Another common term in Spain is chubasquero, which is also a raincoat. Both words are understood, although impermeable might sound slightly more formal.

Why is it tu impermeable and not su impermeable?

In Spanish, tu (your) is the informal possessive adjective, and su can be formal or indicate “his/her/their.” Because the sentence is directed informally to someone you’re close to, tu is used. If you wanted to address someone formally, you would say coja su impermeable (using coja for usted and su for the formal possessive).

How does si quieres fit into the sentence?

Si quieres means “if you want.” It indicates a condition for going out in the rain. It’s a common way in Spanish to say “if you feel like” or “if you would like.” It has a slightly casual tone.

What is the difference between pasear and caminar?

Both involve walking, but pasear often implies a leisurely walk or stroll, sometimes for enjoyment. Caminar is more direct and can mean just walking without the nuance of leisure. In this sentence, pasear hints that it’s a pleasant or casual walk in the rain.

Why do we say bajo la lluvia instead of en la lluvia?

In Spanish, bajo often means “under” in the sense of being underneath something. Saying bajo la lluvia is the standard expression for “in the rain” or “under the rain.” While en la lluvia might be understood, it sounds less natural. Bajo la lluvia is simply the typical Spanish phrasing.