toma más
/toma mas/from spelling rules
To say 'take more' in Spanish, you use toma más.
This phrase is used as an invitation or instruction to encourage someone to accept a larger amount of something.
What does it mean word for word?
toma is the imperative form of the verb tomar (to take, to drink or to consume) and más means 'more'.
Which one should you use?
While toma más is the standard, you may encounter other forms depending on the context: tome más is used for formal requests, tomen más is used when addressing a group, Ingerir más is used specifically for the formal act of ingesting substances and Aprovechar más is used to formally suggest making the most of something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, the informal phrase agarrar más (which literally means 'grab more') is used to mean 'take more'.
How do you pronounce it?
/toma mas/
Did you know?
- While toma más is a simple request, the related phrase tomar el pelo literally means 'take the hair' but actually means 'to tease' or 'pull someone's leg'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you say toma más and the guest refuses, it is customary to insist a second or third time before accepting the 'no'.
- The word más shares an ancestral root with the English word 'master', coming from the Latin 'magister', which originally referred to someone of greater or superior status.
Examples in context
- Entendemos la importancia de tomar más medidas para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros empleados.We understand the importance of taking more measures to ensure the safety of our employees.
- Le sugerimos que aproveche más su tiempo libre para dedicarse a actividades recreativas.We suggest that you take more advantage of your free time to engage in recreational activities.
- Vamos, come más helado, no tengas miedo de disfrutar un poco.Come on, have more ice cream, don't be afraid to enjoy a little.
- Toma más tiempo para decidir.Take more time to decide.
Example conversation
Elena is serving food to Javier at the table.
- ElenaJavier, ¿quieres un poco más de ensalada?Javier, do you want a bit more salad?
- JavierSí, por favor, está muy rica.Yes, please, it is very tasty.
- ElenaToma más, hay suficiente para todos.Take more, there is enough for everyone.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries más, toma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
