¿qué tomas?
The English phrase "what do you drink?" is translated into Spanish as ¿qué tomas?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone what beverage they would like to have. It is commonly used by hosts or servers when offering a beverage to a guest.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of qué (what) and tomas (you drink/take).
Which one should you use?
While tomar literally means "to take", in the context of beverages, it is the standard way to say "to drink" in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the phrase ¿qué tomas? is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking a group of people what they are drinking, use ¿qué toman? To show respect in formal settings or when addressing an older person, use ¿qué toma usted?
Did you know?
- In Spain, people often use the verb beber for drinking, but in many Latin American countries, using beber instead of tomar can specifically imply that the person is drinking alcohol.
- The word qué is inherited from the Latin word quid, which is also the origin of the British slang term 'quid' for a pound sterling.
- While tomar is used for beverages, it is also used for 'taking' a nap or 'taking' a decision, actions that English describes with different verbs.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué bebes normalmente? Suelo beber agua y té.What do you usually drink? I usually drink water and tea.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are at a restaurant.
- MaríaMateo, ¿qué tomas?Mateo, what do you drink?
- MateoTomaré un jugo de naranja.I will drink an orange juice.
- MaríaMuy bien, yo pediré agua.Very well, I will order water.
- MateoPerfecto, esperemos al mesero.Perfect, let's wait for the waiter.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
