toma esto
/toma esto/from spelling rules
The phrase "take this" in Spanish is translated as toma esto.
This phrase is used when you are physically handing an object to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
toma is the imperative form of the verb tomar (to take/to grab), and esto is the neuter demonstrative pronoun for "this".
Which one should you use?
toma esto is the informal imperative used with friends, family or peers, whereas tome esto is the formal version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia or Argentina, agarra esto is more commonly used. In some Latin American countries, such as Chile or Peru, Toma, llévatelo is an informal way to say 'Take this'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object being handed over has already been mentioned, you would use the pronoun suffix -lo instead of 'esto' to say tómalo.
How do you pronounce it?
/toma esto/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, saying ¡toma! as an exclamation can mean 'Take that!' when someone has just succeeded at something or when someone has been proven wrong.
- The verb tomar is used for drinking liquids, so saying toma esto while handing someone a glass of water is perfectly natural, whereas 'take' in English usually implies grabbing the glass.
- The demonstrative esto is derived from the Latin 'istud', which traces back to the 'iste' family of words used to point to things near the listener.
Examples in context
- Toma esto.Take this.This sentence is useful for practicing a simple statement of toma esto.Tatoeba #4506034 by cueyayotl, translation #2111479 by CK
- ¡Toma esto!Take this!This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamatory use of toma esto.Tatoeba #4506097 by cueyayotl, translation #3188418 by Joseph
- Tome esto, por favorTake this, please
- Toma esto, es para tiTake this, it's for you
- Agarra esto y llévalo contigoTake this and carry it with you
- Toma, llévateloTake this with you
- Toma esto, es para ti.Take this, it is for you.
Example conversation
Daniel is handing a gift to María in a living room.
- DanielMaría, tengo un detalle para ti.María, I have a little something for you.
- María¿Qué es? No me digas.What is it? Don't tell me.
- DanielToma esto, espero que te guste.Take this, I hope you like it.
- María¡Gracias, Daniel! Es hermoso.Thank you, Daniel! It is beautiful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esto, toma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
