tomo
/tomo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I take" is translated into Spanish as tomo.
tomo is used to express the act of taking something, such as a mode of transport or a pill. It is also the standard way to say "I drink" or "I consume" when referring to beverages, food or dietary supplements.
Which one should you use?
While tomo can mean "I take" (such as taking a bus), it is also used in Spanish to mean "I drink", whereas English speakers typically use "take" only for medicine or specific actions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American Spanish, the word agarro is used colloquially to mean "I take".
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun yo (I) is often omitted because the verb form tomo already indicates that the subject is the first-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, saying tomo can imply a habit of drinking alcohol if used without a specific object. An English speaker saying 'I drink' usually refers to water or juice, but tomo can suggest a lifestyle of alcohol consumption.
- While tomo means 'I take' as a verb, the noun tomo refers to a volume or book of a series. This creates a pun where someone could say they are 'taking a volume' while actually 'drinking' something.
- The word tomo comes from the Latin tomus, which originally referred to a piece of papyrus or a cut scroll. This is the same root that gives English the word 'tome' for a large scholarly book.
Examples in context
- Yo tomo café solo.I take my coffee black.This sentence shows how to use tomo to describe consuming a beverage.Tatoeba #7291151 by arh, translation #7285960 by CK
- Tomo vitaminas todos los días.I take vitamins every day.This sentence demonstrates using tomo in the context of taking vitamins.Tatoeba #4989275 by Shishir, translation #4983609 by CK
- Tomo el metro casi todos los días.I take the subway almost every day.This sentence illustrates using tomo for taking a mode of transport.Tatoeba #1745926 by marcelostockle, translation #1740389 by Amastan
- Tomo clases de piano.I take piano lessons.
- Tomo medicación para el dolor.I take medication for the pain.
- Me hago cargo de la gestión del proyecto.I take care of project management.
- Cojo el autobús para ir al trabajo.I take the bus to go to work.
- Agarro un libro para leer mientras espero.I take a book to read while I wait.
- Llevo un curso de fotografía.I take a photography course.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- JavierYo quiero un té, ¿y tú?I want a tea, and you?
- MaríaYo tomo un jugo de naranja.I'll take an orange juice.
- JavierMuy bien, pidamos ahora.Very well, let's order now.
- MaríaSí, tomo el jugo sin hielo.Yes, I'll take the juice without ice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tomo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
