tomarme
/toh-MAHR-meh/
to take (for myself)
Tomarme (to take for myself) is often used when deciding to take a break or a turn.
tomarme(Verb)
to take (for myself)
?taking a break, taking a turn
,to grab (for myself)
?getting hold of something
to choose (for myself)
?making a selection
📝 In Action
Necesito tomarme un descanso.
A1I need to take a break (for myself).
Quiero tomarme la libertad de opinar.
B1I want to take the liberty of giving my opinion.
¿Debo tomarme este autobús?
A2Should I take this bus?
💡 Grammar Points
Infinitive + Pronoun
The word 'tomarme' is the base verb 'tomar' combined with the pronoun 'me' (me/myself). This structure is used after other conjugated verbs (e.g., 'Quiero tomarme...') or prepositions (e.g., 'antes de tomarme...').
The 'me' means 'myself'
The 'me' attached to the end usually shows that the action of 'taking' is directed back at the speaker. It often means 'for my own benefit' or 'to myself.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misplacing the Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo me necesito tomar un descanso."
Correction: Yo necesito tomarme un descanso. (The pronoun usually attaches to the end of the infinitive, or goes before the first verb: 'Me necesito tomar un descanso.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Stress Shift
When you attach 'me' to the infinitive, the stress stays on the last syllable of the verb ('to-MAR-me'). You don't need an accent mark here because the stress falls naturally.
When used with liquids, tomarme means to drink something.
tomarme(Verb)
to drink (for myself)
?ingesting a liquid
,to take (medicine)
?ingesting pills or liquid medicine
to consume
?general ingestion
📝 In Action
Voy a tomarme un café antes de empezar.
A1I'm going to drink a coffee before starting.
Olvidé tomarme la pastilla esta mañana.
A2I forgot to take the pill this morning.
Es agradable tomarme una copa de vino en la terraza.
B1It's nice to have a glass of wine on the terrace.
💡 Grammar Points
'Tomar' vs. 'Beber'
In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, 'tomar' is used more often than 'beber' (to drink) when referring to beverages or medicine.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Beber' Exclusively
Mistake: "Quiero beberme un té."
Correction: Quiero tomarme un té. (While 'beberme' is correct, 'tomarme' sounds more natural for consuming drinks in everyday conversation.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When talking about medicine, 'tomar' is the standard verb. If you say 'tomarme la dosis,' everyone understands you mean 'ingest' the medication.
Tomarme can also mean to take something to heart or personally.
tomarme(Verb)
to take (something personally)
?interpreting a comment as directed at oneself
,to assume (a role/feeling)
?taking on a responsibility or attitude
to feel
?adopting an emotional state
📝 In Action
No debes tomarme a mal mi comentario.
B1You shouldn't take my comment the wrong way (take it badly).
Él siempre intenta tomarme el pelo.
B2He always tries to pull my leg (trick me).
Me cuesta tomarme las cosas con calma.
B1It's hard for me to take things calmly.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use in Idioms
Many common Spanish idioms use 'tomar' reflexively (with 'me') to indicate that the action or interpretation is happening to the speaker.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrase
The phrase 'tomarse algo a pecho' (to take something to heart/personally) is very common and always requires the reflexive 'me', 'te', 'se', etc.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tomarme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tomarme' to mean 'to drink'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'me' attached to the end of 'tomar'?
The pronoun 'me' (me/myself) attaches to the end of the verb when the verb is in its base form (infinitive, like 'tomar') or the gerund ('tomando'). This attachment makes it function as a single unit, usually meaning the action is happening to or for the speaker.
Can I separate 'tomar' and 'me'?
Yes, but only if you move the 'me' to the beginning of the previous conjugated verb. For example, 'Voy a tomarme un café' is the same as 'Me voy a tomar un café.' You cannot place it in the middle of the sentence or after the object.