quiero tomar
/kjeɾo tomaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i want to take" is translated into Spanish as quiero tomar.
quiero tomar expresses a desire to consume a drink or to grab or perform an action like taking a shower, taking medicine or taking a photo. In many Spanish-speaking regions, tomar is the standard verb for consuming beverages, though you may encounter beber in other areas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want) and the infinitive tomar (to take/to drink).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because querer is a verb of desire, the second verb tomar remains in its infinitive form following it directly.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo tomaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use llevar when they mean to grab, pick up or consume something. Instead, use tomar for these purposes.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say quiero tomar without specifying what you want to take, people will assume you are referring to alcohol.
- In certain Latin American countries, tomar el sol is the phrase used for sunbathing, literally meaning to 'take the sun'.
- While tomar means to take or drink, in some regions it is used as a slang term for stealing or 'pocketing' something.
Examples in context
- Te quiero tomar la temperatura.I want to take your temperature.This sentence is useful for showing how to use quiero tomar when taking a temperature.Tatoeba #2015345 by marcelostockle, translation #2014707 by CK
- Quiero tomar una ducha larga y caliente para reparar un poco mi espíritu.I want to take a long hot shower to repair my soul a bit.This sentence demonstrates using quiero tomar in the context of taking a shower.Tatoeba #9051262 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9051274 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Quiero tomar un baño.I want to take a bath.This sentence shows how to use quiero tomar when talking about taking a bath.Tatoeba #437072 by lukaszpp, translation #437071 by lukaszpp
- Después de la reunión, quiero llevar el informe al departamento de recursos humanos.After the meeting, I want to take the report to the human resources department.
- Me gustaría tomar algunas clases de español.I would like to take some Spanish classes.
- Vamos al supermercado, quiero agarrar algunas bebidas.Let's go to the supermarket, I want to grab some drinks.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a cafe.
- MaríaTengo mucha sed, quiero tomar un café.I am very thirsty, I want to have a coffee.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que pida uno para ti, María?Do you want me to order one for you, María?
- MaríaSí, pero quiero tomar el jugo de naranja también.Yes, but I want to have the orange juice too.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Alejandro pedirá todo ahora.Alright, Alejandro will order everything now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
