tomarlo
/toh-MAHR-loh/
to take it
Tomarlo (to take it) meaning to grab or pick up an object.
tomarlo(verb)
to take it
?to grab or pick up an object
to get it
?when retrieving something
📝 In Action
Tienes que ir a la mesa y tomarlo.
A1You have to go to the table and take it (pick it up).
Si ves el libro, puedes tomarlo.
A2If you see the book, you can take it.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb + Object Link
In Spanish, the action word (tomar) and the thing receiving the action (lo, meaning 'it') can be attached to form one word, but only when the verb is in its base form (infinitive) or a command.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misplacing the Pronoun
Mistake: "Lo tengo que tomar."
Correction: Tengo que tomarlo.
⭐ Usage Tips
Handling the Accent
When attaching 'lo' to a two-syllable infinitive like 'tomar,' you must add an accent mark over the last vowel of the infinitive (tomÁR) to keep the stress on the correct syllable: tomÁRlo.
Tomarlo (to drink it) referring to consuming a beverage.
tomarlo(verb)
to drink it
?referring to a drink
to eat it
?referring to a meal or food item
,to take it
?referring to medicine or pills
📝 In Action
La leche está caliente. Necesitas esperar antes de tomarlo.
A2The milk is hot. You need to wait before drinking it.
El doctor me dijo que tengo que tomarlo tres veces al día.
B1The doctor told me I have to take it (the medicine) three times a day.
💡 Grammar Points
Tomar vs. Beber
While 'beber' specifically means 'to drink,' 'tomar' is broader and is often preferred in Spanish when talking about having a drink, a coffee, or taking medicine.
Tomarlo (to take it) meaning to choose a path or make a decision.
tomarlo(verb)
to take it
?to make a decision or choose a path
to assume it
?to take responsibility
📝 In Action
Ella no quiere tomarlo, el riesgo es demasiado grande.
B1She doesn't want to take it (the risk); the risk is too great.
Antes de tomarlo, piensa bien en las consecuencias.
B2Before taking it (making the decision), think carefully about the consequences.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Objects
The 'lo' here represents an abstract idea that was previously mentioned, such as 'el riesgo' (the risk) or 'la decisión' (the decision).
Tomarlo (to take it) meaning to interpret or understand information.
tomarlo(verb)
to take it
?to interpret or understand something
to assume it
?to take something seriously or lightly
📝 In Action
No fue un insulto. No debes tomarlo de esa manera.
B2It wasn't an insult. You shouldn't take it (interpret it) that way.
Si te lo ofrecen, debes tomarlo en serio.
C1If they offer it to you, you must take it seriously.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'tomar' is used with adverbs like 'en serio' (seriously) or 'a la ligera' (lightly), it means you are describing the way you are interpreting or reacting to something.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tomarlo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tomarlo' in the sense of 'to take a decision or risk'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tomarlo' one word instead of two?
'Tomar' is in its base form (the infinitive), and in Spanish, object pronouns like 'lo' must be attached directly to the end of the verb when the verb is an infinitive, a gerund (-ndo form), or an affirmative command.
If 'lo' means 'it,' how would I say 'to take him' or 'to take her'?
You would replace 'lo' with the corresponding pronoun: 'tomarlo' (to take him/it) or 'tomarla' (to take her/it). The structure remains the same, only the pronoun changes.