tomar notas
/tomaɾ notas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "write notes" is translated into Spanish as tomar notas.
This phrase is used to describe the act of recording information in writing, typically while you are listening to a speaker or reading a text.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb tomar (to take) and the noun notas (notes).
Which one should you use?
While tomar notas is correct, the more common way to describe the specific act of taking notes during a lecture or while studying is to use tomar apuntes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form of this phrase, used for "taking notes," is tomando notas.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomaɾ notas/
Did you know?
- Because the verb tomar is also used for 'drinking', saying you are tomando without an object can imply you are consuming alcohol.
- The word apunte is closely related to the verb apuntar, which means 'to point out' or 'to aim'. Thus, when you tomas apuntes, you are essentially 'pointing out' the most important parts of a text to yourself.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, tomar apuntes can be used figuratively to mean 'paying close attention' to someone's behavior or a situation to learn from it, even if no pen or paper is involved.
Examples in context
- Por favor, escriba los apuntes en su cuaderno.Please write the notes in your notebook.
- Asegúrese de tomar notas durante la presentación.Make sure to take notes during the presentation.
- No olvide anotar los puntos clave del informe.Don't forget to write down the key points of the report.
- ¡No te olvides de apuntar los detalles de la receta!Don't forget to write down the recipe details!
- Vas a tener que sacar apuntes para aprobar el examen.You'll have to take notes to pass the exam.
- El profesor dijo a los estudiantes que escribieran apuntes sobre el tema tratado en clase.The professor told the students to write notes on the topic discussed in class.
- Me gusta sacar apuntes mientras veo documentales interesantes.I enjoy taking notes while watching interesting documentaries.
- Estoy tomando notas de la clase.I am taking notes from the class.
- Necesito tomar notas durante la clase.I need to write notes during the class.
- Ella empezó a tomar notas en su cuaderno.She started to write notes in her notebook.
- ¿Puedes tomar notas de la reunión?Can you write notes for the meeting?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are in a university lecture.
- Daniel¿Puedes tomar notas de lo que dice el profesor?Can you write notes on what the professor is saying?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, lo haré.Yes, Daniel, I will do it.
- DanielGracias, es un tema muy complejo.Thanks, it is a very complex topic.
- ElenaNo hay problema, estoy lista.No problem, I am ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
