toman
/TOH-mahn/
they take
Toman (they take) can refer to a physical action of grabbing or lifting an object.
toman(verb)
they take
?physical action; referring to 'ellos' or 'ellas'
,you all take
?formal address; referring to 'ustedes'
they grab
?picking something up
,they pick up
?lifting an object
📝 In Action
Ellos toman la caja y la ponen en el estante.
A1They take the box and put it on the shelf.
Ustedes toman sus sombreros antes de salir.
A2You all take your hats before leaving (formal command).
Los niños toman sus juguetes después de jugar.
A1The children pick up their toys after playing.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the 'Who'
"Toman" is the action form used for "ellos" (they, masculine/mixed group), "ellas" (they, feminine), or "ustedes" (you all, formal).
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
The form "toman" is used for facts ('They take the bus'). The form "tomen" (present subjunctive) is used for wishes, doubts, or commands ('I hope they take the bus').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use it like 'Grab'
Think of this meaning as a quick, physical action of grasping something, like 'They take my hand' (Ellos toman mi mano).
When referring to liquids, toman (they drink) means they are consuming a beverage.
toman(verb)
they drink
?consuming a beverage
,you all drink
?formal address; consuming a beverage
they have (lunch/coffee)
?consuming food or drink
📝 In Action
Ellos siempre toman café con leche por la mañana.
A1They always drink coffee with milk in the morning.
¿Qué toman ustedes? ¿Cerveza o vino?
A2What are you all drinking? Beer or wine?
Toman (they catch/take) is used when referring to taking public transportation, such as a bus or train.
toman(verb)
they catch
?taking public transport
,they make
?making a decision
they adopt
?adopting a measure or stance
,they photograph
?taking a picture (tomar una foto)
📝 In Action
Ellos toman el tren en la estación central todos los días.
A2They catch the train at the central station every day.
Los directores toman una decisión importante sobre el proyecto.
B1The directors make an important decision about the project.
Siempre toman muchas fotos cuando viajan a la montaña.
B1They always take many pictures when they travel to the mountains.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Translate 'Take' Literally
Mistake: "Using 'llevar' instead of 'tomar' for transport. (e.g., 'Ellos llevan el autobús')"
Correction: Use 'toman' for catching transport: 'Ellos toman el autobús' (They catch the bus).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: toman
Question 1 of 2
Which English sentence correctly uses the 'consumption' meaning of 'toman'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'toman' and 'beben'?
'Toman' (from 'tomar') is much broader. It means 'to take,' 'to grab,' 'to catch transport,' and 'to drink.' 'Beben' (from 'beber') means only 'to drink.' In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'tomar' is the more common verb for drinking beverages.
Is 'toman' the present tense or a command?
It is both! 'Ellos toman' means 'They take' (a statement of present fact). '¡Ustedes, tomen!' means 'You all, take!' (a command). Context tells you which one it is.