vamos a tomar algo
/bamos a tomaɾ alɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'let's go drink' can be expressed in Spanish as vamos a tomar algo.
This phrase is a suggestion to go out and have some drinks with someone. By using the word algo (something), the speaker makes the suggestion sound more casual and less heavy than if they were suggesting a specific amount of alcohol.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vamos a tomar algo literally translates to 'we are going to drink something'.
Which one should you use?
While vamos a tomar algo is a standard suggestion, vamos a tomar una copa is another common way to express this and it specifically implies having a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to suggest having a drink among friends by simply saying Tomamos algo. In Mexico, you can use the informal phrase Vamos a tomar algo or the Spanglish-influenced Vamos por unos drinks.
Did you know?
- While tomar is used for drinks, it is also the standard word for 'taking' a bus or a taxi in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- In many Latin American countries, if you suggest vamos a tomar, people might assume you are suggesting a heavy drinking session rather than a light social drink, which is why adding algo is a helpful linguistic buffer.
- In Spain, the even shorter Tomamos algo is often used as a suggestion even though it is grammatically in the indicative 'we drink' rather than the suggestive 'let us go'.
Examples in context
- Hoy es viernes, vamos a tomar algo.Today is Friday, let's go drink something.
- Si estás libre, vamos a tomar algo esta noche.If you are free, let's go drink something tonight.
- Hace calor, ¿vamos a tomar algo frío?It is hot, shall we go drink something cold?
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are finishing their work day.
- SofíaJavier, ¿estás cansado?Javier, are you tired?
- JavierUn poco, pero quiero celebrar.A little, but I want to celebrate.
- Sofía¡Perfecto! Vamos a tomar algo.Perfect! Let's go drink something.
- JavierMe parece una excelente idea.That sounds like an excellent idea to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
