tomar clases
/tomaɾ klases/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'take classes' is translated as tomar clases.
The phrase is used to describe enrolling in and attending a series of lessons to learn a subject. You can also use the synonym participar en cursos to express the idea of participating in courses.
Which one should you use?
It is important not to confuse the student's perspective with the teacher's. While tomar clases means to take or attend classes as a student, dar clases means to give or teach classes as an instructor. For a more academic tone, you can use cursar, which means to enroll in or complete a course of study.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Central and South America, speakers may use the phrase hacer cursos to express the idea of taking classes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of taking classes, you use the gerund form of the verb, which is tomando clases.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, tomar can mean 'to drink' or 'to consume', which creates a humorous mental image of someone eating their lessons.
- The word clase shares a root with 'classify', as it originally referred to a group of people divided by rank or category rather than a lesson.
- In Spain, asistir a clase is the standard way to say 'attend class', but it is a false friend for English speakers because asistir does not mean 'to assist' or 'to help'.
Examples in context
- Debo asistir a clases todos los días.I must attend classes every day.
- Decidí tomar clases de español este semestre.I decided to take Spanish classes this semester.
- Es necesario realizar cursos de actualización profesional.It's necessary to take professional development courses.
- Decidí hacer cursos de cocina para mejorar mis habilidades culinarias.I decided to take cooking classes to improve my culinary skills.
- Yo voy a asistir a clases este verano.I am going to attend classes this summer.
- Decidí participar en cursos de fotografía para mejorar mi habilidad.I decided to participate in photography courses to improve my skill.
- Quiero tomar clases de piano.I want to take piano classes.
- Ella va a tomar clases de yoga.She is going to take yoga classes.
- ¿Vas a tomar clases de español este semestre?Are you going to take Spanish classes this semester?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their new hobbies at a cafe.
- DanielElena, ¿vas a tomar clases de cocina?Elena, are you going to take cooking classes?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, voy a tomar clases los sábados.Yes, Daniel, I am going to take classes on Saturdays.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Yo quiero tomar clases de dibujo.That's great! I want to take drawing classes.
- ElenaDeberías buscar un buen profesor pronto.You should look for a good teacher soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
