toma
“toma” means “take” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
take
Also: have
📝 In Action
Toma, aquí tienes tu chaqueta.
A1Here, take your jacket.
Si tienes sed, toma un vaso de agua.
A1If you're thirsty, have a glass of water.
Toma nota de la dirección.
A2Take note of the address.
he/she takes
Also: you take, he/she has/drinks
📝 In Action
Mi hermana siempre toma el tren de las ocho.
A1My sister always takes the eight o'clock train.
¿Usted toma café por la mañana?
A1Do you (formal) have coffee in the morning?
El doctor toma la presión al paciente.
A2The doctor takes the patient's blood pressure.
here!
Also: take that!, wow!
📝 In Action
¡Toma! Se me olvidó darte las llaves.
A2Here! I forgot to give you the keys.
¡Gané la apuesta! ¡Toma!
B1I won the bet! Take that!
¡Toma, qué golazo!
B2Wow, what a great goal!
intake
Also: outlet, shot / take, seizure / taking
📝 In Action
La toma de aire del motor está sucia.
B1The engine's air intake is dirty.
¿Hay una toma de corriente cerca para mi portátil?
A2Is there an electrical outlet nearby for my laptop?
El director dijo: '¡Silencio, vamos a la toma tres!'
B2The director said: 'Quiet, we're going to take three!'
La toma del castillo fue un momento clave en la historia.
B2The taking of the castle was a key moment in history.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: toma
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'toma' as a noun meaning 'electrical outlet'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The noun comes directly from the verb 'tomar'. The origin of 'tomar' itself is uncertain, possibly from a Vulgar Latin word '*tumāre*' or a pre-Roman Iberian language. It replaced the classical Latin verb 'capere' (to take) in Spanish.
First recorded: Around the 12th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'toma' and 'tomas'?
They both come from the verb 'tomar' (to take). 'Tomas' (with an 's') is what you use to say 'you take' when talking to a friend (tú), like 'Tú tomas el autobús'. 'Toma' (no 's') is used for 'he takes', 'she takes', or 'you (formal) take'. It's also the command form: 'Toma esto' (Take this!).
Can 'toma' mean 'drink'?
Yes, absolutely! The verb 'tomar' is very commonly used to mean 'to drink' or 'to have' a beverage. For example, 'Él toma mucho café' means 'He drinks a lot of coffee.' It can also be used for medicine ('toma la pastilla' - he takes the pill) or food.
I heard someone shout '¡Toma ya!'. What does that mean?
That's a very common expression, especially in Spain. It's a cry of victory or excitement, similar to 'Yes!', 'Take that!', or 'Awesome!'. It's used when something great happens unexpectedly.