tomar buenos apuntes
/tomaɾ bwenos apuntes/from spelling rules
To say "take good notes" in Spanish, you say tomar buenos apuntes.
The specific word apuntes refers to the notes one takes during a class, lecture or meeting. For an informal way to say you are taking excellent or top-notch notes, you can use Tomar apuntes de primera.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tomar (to take), buenos (good) and apuntes (notes/scribbles).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buenos must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun apuntes.
Did you know?
- The word apuntes is closely related to the verb apuntar, which does not just mean 'to note down' but also 'to aim' a weapon or a camera.
- The expression de primera in tomar apuntes de primera uses a phrase that also means 'top-shelf' or 'premium' when talking about products like olive oil or wine.
- If a student is known for having the best notes in class, other students might ask to pedir los apuntes, which is a common social ritual of academic survival in Spanish-speaking universities.
Examples in context
- Es importante tomar buenas notas en clase para recordar la información más adelante.It's important to take good notes in class to remember the information later on.
- No te olvides de apuntar bien para que podamos repasar juntos más tarde.Don't forget to take good notes so we can review together later on.
- Ese profesor da mucha información útil, así que asegúrate de tomar apuntes de primera.That teacher provides a lot of useful information, so make sure you take top-notch notes.
- Es importante tomar buenos apuntes en la clase.It is important to take good notes in class.
- Debes tomar buenos apuntes para el examen final.You must take good notes for the final exam.
- Ella me aconsejó tomar buenos apuntes durante la conferencia.She advised me to take good notes during the lecture.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are studying together in the library.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿puedes ayudarme con la lección?Daniel, can you help me with the lesson?
- DanielClaro, si logras tomar buenos apuntes, es fácil.Sure, if you manage to take good notes, it's easy.
- ElenaTus apuntes son muy organizados.Your notes are very organized.
- DanielGracias, siempre intento tomar buenos apuntes.Thanks, I always try to take good notes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
