Inklingo
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tomada

/toh-MAH-dah/

taken

A wooden chair with a red coat draped over it to show it is occupied.

A seat that is 'tomada' or occupied.

tomada(adjective)

fA2

taken

?

a seat, space, or position

,

occupied

?

a room or place

Also:

seized

?

captured or held

📝 In Action

Lo siento, esta silla ya está tomada.

A1

I'm sorry, this seat is already taken.

La ciudad fue tomada por el ejército.

B1

The city was taken by the army.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ocupada (occupied)
  • conquistada (conquered)

Antonyms

  • libre (free/available)
  • vacía (empty)

Common Collocations

  • decisión tomada – a decision made
  • mano tomada – holding hands

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Tomada' with Descriptions

Use this word when the thing you are describing is feminine (ending in -a). If you are describing something masculine, use 'tomado'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Taken a photo?

Mistake: "Using 'tomada' for a photo that was taken."

Correction: In Spanish, we usually use 'sacada' for photos: 'una foto sacada' (a photo taken).

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Taken' Seat

When you want to know if a seat is available at a cafe, point to it and ask: '¿Está tomada?'

A person wearing a cozy scarf holding a mug of tea and touching their throat.

A voice that is 'tomada' or hoarse.

tomada(adjective)

fB1

hoarse

?

referring to the voice

,

husky

?

a deep, rough voice

📝 In Action

No puedo cantar hoy, tengo la voz tomada.

B1

I can't sing today, my voice is hoarse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • afónica (having lost one's voice)
  • ronca (hoarse/raspy)

Common Collocations

  • voz tomada – hoarse voice

💡 Grammar Points

Describing the Voice

Since 'voz' (voice) is a feminine word in Spanish, we always use the feminine 'tomada' to describe it.

A person with rosy cheeks smiling happily while holding a single glass of juice.

Feeling 'tomada' or slightly tipsy.

tomada(adjective)

fB2

tipsy

?

slightly drunk

Also:

drunk

?

having consumed alcohol

📝 In Action

Ella está un poco tomada después de la fiesta.

B2

She is a bit tipsy after the party.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • tomada de pelo – a joke or a prank

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tomada

Question 1 of 2

If you go to a cinema and a jacket is on a seat, the seat is...

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tomada' the same as 'borracha'?

Yes, but 'tomada' is often considered slightly softer or more polite than 'borracha' (drunk).

Can I use 'tomada' for masculine objects?

No, if the object is masculine (like 'el asiento'), you must use 'tomado'.