tomar
Lemma Details
Translation: to take; to drink; to have; to catch; to grab; to consume; to occupy; to assume
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Tomar comes from Latin 'autumare' meaning 'to assert' or 'to consider', which evolved in Vulgar Latin. The semantic shift from 'to assert' to 'to take' occurred gradually. The word shares distant connections with English words like 'assume' (in the sense of taking on a role or position). The versatility of 'tomar' in Spanish parallels how English uses 'take' in many contexts beyond literal grasping.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Voy a tomar un café.
I'm going to have a coffee.
Tomé el autobús para ir al trabajo.
I took the bus to go to work.
Toma este libro, por favor.
Take this book, please.
Necesito tomar una decisión importante.
I need to make an important decision.
Los estudiantes tomaron apuntes durante la clase.
The students took notes during class.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tomar' as 'to-mar' where 'mar' sounds like 'more' - when you take something, you have 'more' of it.
- Associate with English 'tomato' - imagine taking/picking a tomato.
- For the drinking meaning, think of 'tomar' as 'tumbler' - a glass you drink from.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Tomar is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in Spanish. In many Latin American countries, 'tomar' is the preferred verb for drinking (especially alcoholic beverages), while in Spain 'beber' might be more common. The expression 'tomar el pelo' (to pull someone's leg) is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tomar' means 'to take' in the sense of grabbing, consuming, or using something, 'llevar' means 'to take' in the sense of carrying or taking something from one place to another.
Notes: In English, 'take' covers both meanings, but Spanish distinguishes between taking (acquiring/consuming) and taking (transporting).
Mnemonic: Think: 'tomar' is taking FOR yourself; 'llevar' is taking TO somewhere else.
Explanation: 'Tomar' can mean 'to drink' in many contexts, while 'beber' specifically means 'to drink' and nothing else.
Confused word:
No debes beber alcohol si vas a conducir.
You shouldn't drink alcohol if you're going to drive.
Notes: In casual contexts, especially in Latin America, 'tomar' is often preferred for alcoholic beverages.
Mnemonic: 'Beber' begins with 'b' like 'beverage' - it's specifically for drinking.