retoma
/retoma/from spelling rules
The Spanish verb for 'retake' is retoma.
While retomar can mean to physically take something again, it is most commonly used idiomatically to mean 'to resume' an activity, a conversation or a project.
Meaning: take again (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix 're-' (again) and the verb 'tomar' (to take).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word retoma can represent the third-person singular present tense (he/she/it takes again) or the second-person formal imperative (you [formal] take again). The third-person singular past tense is retomó (he/she/it took again), and retomen is used for the third-person plural present subjunctive or the formal imperative (they/you all take again).
How do you pronounce it?
/retoma/
Did you know?
- While retomar means to resume, the root verb tomar is used for 'drinking' a liquid. In many Spanish-speaking countries, you do not 'drink' water with the verb for drinking, but rather 'take' it using tomar.
- In the world of cinema, a 'take' or a 'shot' is called a toma. This makes retomar the technical term for filming a scene a second time to get a better performance.
- While English uses 'retake' for exams, a Spanish speaker would likely use repetir or volver a hacer. Using retomar in a classroom setting might be misunderstood as resuming a paused test rather than starting a new attempt.
Examples in context
- Estoy planeando volver a tomar el examen la próxima semana.I'm planning to retake the exam next week.
- Tendré que repetir el curso completo.I'll have to retake the entire course.
- Voy a volver a hacer la foto porque salió borrosa.I'm going to retake the photo because it came out blurry.
- Me dieron la oportunidad de dar el examen de nuevo.They gave me the chance to retake the exam.
- Retoma el control.Take back control.
- Retoma el control de la situación.Take back control of the situation.
- Ella retoma su libro de lectura.She picks up her reading book again.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a project they paused.
- MateoMateo, ¿cuándo retoma el grupo el trabajo?Mateo, when does the group retake the work?
- ElenaElena, el grupo retoma la tarea mañana.Elena, the group retakes the task tomorrow.
- MateoPerfecto, necesito terminar mi parte pronto.Perfect, I need to finish my part soon.
- ElenaYo también, así que nos vemos mañana.Me too, so I'll see you tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
