tomaron
“tomaron” means “they took” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
they took, you all took
Also: they grabbed, they picked up
📝 In Action
Ellos tomaron el paraguas antes de salir a la lluvia.
A1They took the umbrella before going out into the rain.
Las niñas tomaron los lápices de la mesa.
A2The girls picked up the pencils from the table.
they drank, you all drank
Also: they had (a drink)
📝 In Action
Los invitados tomaron un poco de vino en la fiesta.
A1The guests drank a little wine at the party.
Después del ejercicio, tomaron agua rápidamente.
A1After exercising, they drank water quickly.
they took (transport), they followed (a route)
Also: they caught (a ride)
📝 In Action
Cuando salieron del aeropuerto, tomaron un taxi.
A2When they left the airport, they took a taxi.
Los excursionistas tomaron el camino más corto.
B1The hikers took the shortest path.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tomaron
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tomaron' in the sense of 'to drink'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb *appropiare*, meaning 'to take possession of,' which later evolved through regional Spanish into 'tomar.' It shares roots with words related to grasping and seizing.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'tomaron' mean 'took' or 'drank'?
It can mean both, depending on the context! If they took a cup, it means 'took.' If they took coffee, it means 'drank.' It’s one of the most versatile verbs in Spanish.
Why is 'tomaron' used for 'ustedes' (you all formal) as well as 'ellos' (they)?
In Spanish, the formal 'you' (usted/ustedes) uses the same verb forms as 'he/she/it' or 'they.' So, 'ustedes tomaron' means 'you all took,' and 'ellos tomaron' means 'they took.'