toma tiempo
/toma tjempo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "it takes time" is translated into Spanish as toma tiempo.
The phrase is used to say that a process or task requires a certain amount of time to be completed. While toma tiempo is common, lleva tiempo is a very frequent alternative used to express that a process requires a duration of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tomar (to take/to grab) and the noun tiempo (time).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the subject is plural (e.g., 'these tasks'), the verb must change to toman to match the plural subject, forming toman tiempo (they take time).
Did you know?
- In Spanish, tiempo is a double-meaning word that refers to both 'time' and 'weather'. Depending on the context, toma tiempo could be confused with a comment about the weather if the sentence is ambiguous.
- The word tiempo comes from a root meaning 'to stretch'. This links it to the English word 'temperature', which originally referred to the stretching or proportion of heat and moisture in the air.
- The verb tomar is used here to mean 'require', but in many Spanish-speaking countries, it is also the standard word for 'to drink'.
Examples in context
- Toma tiempo superar un divorcio.It takes time to get over a divorce.This sentence shows how to use toma tiempo regarding the duration needed to overcome a divorce.Tatoeba #3089392 by marcelostockle, translation #2479334 by CK
- Sé paciente, por favor. Toma tiempo.Be patient please. It takes time.This sentence uses toma tiempo as a reason to be patient.Tatoeba #1235217 by marcelostockle, translation #1896 by Swift
- Cualquier idioma que estudies, toma tiempo.Whatever language you study, it takes time.This sentence demonstrates that studying any language involves the use of toma tiempo.Tatoeba #1903679 by marcelostockle, translation #36653 by Dejo
- Completar este proyecto requiere tiempo y dedicación.Completing this project takes time and dedication.
- La curación de heridas es un proceso que lleva tiempo y paciencia.Wound healing is a process that takes time and patience.
- Aprender a tocar la guitarra lleva su tiempo, pero al final vale la pena.Learning to play the guitar takes time, but it's worth it in the end.
- A mi hermano le toma tiempo adaptarse a los cambios.It takes my brother time to adapt to changes.
- Lograr dominar un nuevo idioma lleva bastante tiempo y práctica constante.Achieving fluency in a new language takes quite a bit of time and constant practice.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is frustrated because his new business is not profitable yet.
- ElenaNo te desesperes, Alejandro.Don't despair, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs que quiero ver resultados pronto.It's just that I want to see results soon.
- ElenaEntiende que construir un negocio toma tiempo.Understand that building a business takes time.
- AlejandroTienes razón, debo ser paciente.You are right, I must be patient.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tiempo, toma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
