The verb "cobrar" primarily means to charge or to collect a payment for services rendered or goods sold. It can also imply receiving money that is owed or due. In Spanish, it is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, frequently seen in business transactions, financial discussions, and legal matters. The frequency of use is relatively high, given its importance in commerce and day-to-day financial dealings.
Voy a cobrar la factura del cliente mañana.
I am going to collect the invoice from the client tomorrow.
Ella quiere cobrar el dinero que le prestó a su amigo.
She wants to collect the money she lent to her friend.
Es importante cobrar a tiempo para mantener una buena relación con los clientes.
It is important to charge on time to maintain a good relationship with clients.
Cobrar por los ojos.
To charge an exorbitant amount.
En esa tienda siempre cobran por los ojos, los precios son exagerados.
In that store, they always charge an exorbitant amount; the prices are exaggerated.
Cobrar fuerzas.
To gather strength or to refresh oneself.
Después de un día agotador, necesito cobrar fuerzas para seguir adelante.
After an exhausting day, I need to gather strength to move on.
No cobrar un céntimo.
Not to charge a penny; to do something for free.
Ella decidió no cobrar un céntimo por su trabajo en la organización benéfica.
She decided not to charge a penny for her work at the charity.
Cobrar venganza.
To take revenge.
Decidí que era mejor no cobrar venganza y dejar el pasado atrás.
I decided that it was better not to take revenge and leave the past behind.
The word "cobrar" comes from the Latin "cābrare," which means to collect. Over time, it has evolved in the Spanish language to specifically denote the action of charging or collecting payments.