tomas
/tomas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, tomas is used to say "you take".
The phrase is used to express the action of taking something, such as taking a taxi, taking a photograph or even taking someone for a certain type of person.
Which one should you use?
While tomas is the common form for an informal singular "you", toma is used for the formal singular "you" and ustedes toman is used when addressing a group as "you all take".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the informal form vos tomás is used to express "you take". Additionally, using the verb agarrar to mean "take" is particularly common in some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tomas is the second-person singular indicative present form used with the informal tú.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say tomas to mean 'you take', you might accidentally mean 'you drink' instead. This is because tomar is the primary verb used for consuming liquids like water or coffee.
- The word toma can be used as a standalone command to tell someone 'here, take this' when handing them an object. In this specific context, it functions more like the English phrase 'here you go'.
- The verb tomar is used to describe 'taking' a decision (tomar una decisión), whereas English speakers might simply 'make' a decision. This is a common 'false friend' pattern in how the two languages conceptualize action.
Examples in context
- ¿Por qué no tomas un taxi?Why don't you take a taxi?This sentence shows how to use tomas when suggesting a mode of transport.Tatoeba #1218835 by marcelostockle, translation #1218290 by CM
- ¿Cuándo tomaste esta foto?When did you take this picture?This sentence uses tomas in the context of taking a photo.Tatoeba #7480849 by arh, translation #3821507 by CK
- ¿Entonces por quién me tomas?Then who do you take me for?This sentence uses tomas to ask how someone is perceiving another person.Tatoeba #1264565 by Shishir, translation #10495907 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Qué autobús tú agarras para ir a la escuela?Which bus do you take to school?
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing their commute to work.
- María¿Cómo llegas al trabajo?How do you get to work?
- MateoNormalmente, tomas el autobús conmigo.Normally, you take the bus with me.
- MaríaNo, yo prefiero caminar.No, I prefer to walk.
- MateoEntonces, tomas el camino largo.Then, you take the long way.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
