Spanish Conversation · Level 19
90 words
Spanish word
tomar
Pronunciation
IPA/toˈmaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtake
Example
¿Puedes tomar este libro?
Can you take this book?
More examples
¿Te apetece tomar algo esta tarde?
Do you feel like having something to drink this afternoon?
Core concept
Hand taking an object into the palm.
Common phrases
tomar una foto
take a photo
tomar una siesta
take a nap
tomar una decisión
make a decision
Similar words
coger: Grasps and lifts an object with the hand to pick it up.
agarrar: Grips an object firmly to prevent it from slipping or being released.
llevar: Moves an object from one place to another by carrying it.
sacar: Removes an object from inside something to the outside.
Definition in Spanish
Obtener o recibir algo para poseerlo o emplearlo; por extensión, indicar el consumo de líquidos, subirse a un medio de transporte o hacer una fotografía.
Word origin
From medieval Latin tomare meaning 'to take', this Romance verb retains a core sense of seizing that broadened to include drinking, boarding transport, and photographing.
Usage tips
- Tomar does not mark direction toward or away from the speaker, so Spanish uses traer for 'bring here' and llevar for 'take away'.