tomado
“tomado” means “taken” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
taken, drunk / consumed
Also: grabbed, adopted / chosen
📝 In Action
Hemos tomado muchas fotos en el viaje.
A1We have taken many photos on the trip.
Ella había tomado la decisión de irse.
B1She had taken the decision to leave.
¿Ya has tomado el café?
A2Have you drunk the coffee yet?
occupied, taken
Also: stuffy / congested
📝 In Action
¿Esa silla está tomada?
A2Is that chair taken/occupied?
La fortaleza fue tomada después de tres días de asedio.
B2The fortress was captured after three days of siege.
Tengo la nariz tomada por la alergia.
B1My nose is blocked/congested because of the allergy.
drunk
Also: tipsy
📝 In Action
Creo que ya está un poco tomado, no debería conducir.
B2I think he is a bit drunk now; he shouldn't drive.
Todos terminaron la fiesta un poco tomados.
B2Everyone finished the party a little tipsy.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tomado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tomado' to describe a *state* rather than part of a *completed action*?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Tomado' comes directly from the regular past participle of the Spanish verb 'tomar', which itself evolved from the Vulgar Latin word *tŭmāre, related to grasping or taking hold of something.
First recorded: c. 13th century (in the form of its infinitive 'tomar')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does 'tomado' change its ending (e.g., to 'tomada' or 'tomados')?
'Tomado' only changes its ending when it acts as a standalone adjective (like 'occupied' or 'captured'), usually after the verbs 'ser' or 'estar'. If it is part of a perfect tense with 'haber' (like 'He tomado'), it always stays 'tomado'.
Does 'tomado' always mean 'taken'?
No. Because the verb 'tomar' can mean 'to take,' 'to drink,' 'to grab,' or 'to adopt a decision,' 'tomado' carries all these meanings. Context is key! For example, 'he tomado agua' means 'I have drunk water'.