tómalo con calma
/tomalo kon kalma/from spelling rules
To say "take it easy" in Spanish, you use tómalo con calma.
Depending on the context, you might use other expressions: relájate is a direct command to relax, while no te estreses is an informal way to tell someone not to stress or worry. If you want to tell someone to calm down or take it easy, you can also use the informal tranquilo/a.
Meaning: relax (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tómalo con calma literally means "take it with calm". It is composed of toma (take), lo (it), con (with) and calma (calm/calmness).
Which one should you use?
While tómalo con calma refers to a person's attitude or pace, relájate is a more direct command to physically or mentally relax.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, people often use the colloquial single word tranquilo as a shorthand to mean "take it easy" or "don't worry".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tómalo con calma uses the informal imperative (tú) form. To switch to the polite or formal version, change tómalo to tómelo.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, you might hear people say bájale una rayita to mean 'take it easy', which literally translates to 'lower it one notch'.
- While tómalo con calma is a general phrase, Spanish has a specific word, sobremesa, to describe the act of taking it easy at the table and chatting long after a meal has ended.
- The word calma originates from the Ancient Greek word kaûma, which referred to the oppressive heat of the sun.
Examples in context
- Tómalo con calma. Te puedo asegurar que todo saldrá bien.Take it easy. I can assure you that everything will turn out fine.This sentence shows how to use tómalo con calma to reassure someone.Tatoeba #1231094 by marcelostockle, translation #20343 by Snout
- Tranquilo/a, tómate un descanso y luego lo retomas.Take it easy, take a break and then get back to it.
- Tómalo con calma, no hay prisa.Take it easy, there is no rush.
- Es un problema pequeño, tómalo con calma.It is a small problem, take it easy.
Example conversation
Elena is feeling stressed about a presentation at work.
- MateoElena, pareces muy estresada hoy.Elena, you seem very stressed today.
- ElenaSí, tengo mucho trabajo pendiente.Yes, I have a lot of work pending.
- MateoTómalo con calma, lo harás bien.Take it easy, you will do well.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, lo intentaré.Thanks, Mateo, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, con, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
