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got

v.
US //ˈɡɑt// UK //ɡˈɒt// got
  1. 1 past of get (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    the past tense of 'get', used when you received, bought, or reached something in the past.

    the past tense and past participle of 'get', indicating past acquisition, arrival, or change of state.

    Example

    I got a beautiful watch for my birthday last year.

    Example

    After months of searching for a suitable replacement, the team finally got the approval they needed to proceed with the project.

    Usage

    In American English, 'gotten' is the standard past participle, while 'got' is the past tense.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that 'got' is often a more natural, informal choice than 'received' or 'purchased' in spoken English.
    Pitfall
    I have got a new car yesterday.
    I got a new car yesterday.

    Use the simple past 'got' for a specific finished time like 'yesterday'. 'Have got' is for the present.

  2. 2 to have (v.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    used in the phrase 'have got' to say that you own or possess something right now.

    used as a perfective form to indicate present possession or relationship; typically functions as 'have got'.

    Example

    I've got two sisters and one brother.

    Example

    The apartment has got a wonderful view of the park, which was the main reason we decided to sign the lease.

    Usage

    Usually follows 'have' or its contraction (e.g., 'I've got').

    Teacher's tip

    Explain that 'I've got' and 'I have' mean the same thing, but 'I've got' is much more common in British English speech.
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  1. 3 must (v.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    used in the phrase 'have got to' to show that you must do something.

    used as a semi-modal auxiliary to express necessity or obligation.

    Example

    I've got to finish this report before the meeting starts.

    Example

    We have got to address these safety concerns immediately if we want to avoid a total shutdown of the facility.

    Usage

    Followed by a base verb; often reduced to 'gotta' in very casual speech.

    Teacher's tip

    In very informal American English, the 'have' is sometimes dropped entirely (e.g., 'I got to go').
  2. 4 to understand (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    used to say that you understand an idea or a joke.

    used to indicate successful comprehension of a concept, instruction, or humorous point.

    Example

    I didn't understand the math problem at first, but then I suddenly got it.

    Example

    The manager explained the new filing system twice before the rest of the staff finally got the hang of it.

    Usage

    Often used as a short response: 'Got it.'

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in workplace communication to confirm that instructions were heard and understood.
Origin

Analogous to Chinese 有, such as Hokkien 有 (ū), Cantonese 有 (jau⁵), Mandarin 有 (yǒu). Sense 1 is also comparable to Malay ada.

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