tome
/TOH-meh/
take (it)
Tome (take it)
tome(verb)
take (it)
?as a formal command
,grab (it)
?as a formal command
I take
?used in a special form for wishes/doubt (subjunctive)
,he/she/it/you (formal) takes
?used in a special form for wishes/doubt (subjunctive)
📝 In Action
Por favor, tome asiento.
A1Please, take a seat (formal command).
Quiero que usted tome el camino más corto.
A2I want you (formal) to take the shortest route.
Dudo que yo tome esa decisión pronto.
B1I doubt that I will take that decision soon.
💡 Grammar Points
Tome as a Formal Command
"Tome" is used when giving an instruction to 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It’s the polite way to tell someone to do something.
Subjunctive Mood
When 'tome' follows verbs expressing wishes, desires, or doubt (like 'espero que' or 'dudo que'), it is using a special verb form (present subjunctive) because the action isn't certain.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Simple Present for Formal Commands
Mistake: "Tú toma mi libro, por favor."
Correction: Use the formal command form for 'usted': 'Tome mi libro, por favor.' (unless speaking informally to 'tú').
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Vowel Swap
For AR verbs like tomar, the special command form uses E (tOmE). For ER/IR verbs, they swap to A. This is a quick way to recognize the command/subjunctive forms.
Tome (drink it)
tome(verb)
drink (it)
?as a formal command
,consume (it)
?as a formal command for liquids or medicine
I drink
?used in a special form for wishes/doubt (subjunctive)
📝 In Action
Es crucial que tome esta medicina cada ocho horas.
B1It is crucial that you (formal) take this medicine every eight hours.
¡Tome un café conmigo!
A1Have (drink) a coffee with me!
Recomiendo que él tome mucha agua durante el viaje.
A2I recommend that he drinks a lot of water during the trip.
💡 Grammar Points
'Tomar' vs. 'Beber'
While 'beber' means strictly 'to drink,' 'tomar' is often preferred for social drinking, especially coffee, tea, or alcohol. Think of 'tomar' as meaning 'to have' a beverage.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Order in Restaurants
If you are ordering for someone formally, you might hear the server ask, '¿Qué desea que tome?' (What do you wish for him/her/you to drink?)
Tome (adopt a measure or attitude)
tome(verb)
adopt
?a measure or attitude
,make
?a decision
record
?a photograph or measurement
📝 In Action
Pidió al equipo que tome una actitud más seria.
B1He asked the team to adopt a more serious attitude.
Sugiero que se tome una foto grupal antes de irnos.
B2I suggest that a group photo be taken before we leave.
Espero que mi jefe tome en cuenta mis sugerencias.
B1I hope my boss takes my suggestions into account.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Wishes
When a non-personal subject is required (like 'it is necessary that'), 'tome' is often used impersonally: 'Es necesario que se tome la temperatura' (It is necessary that the temperature be taken).
⭐ Usage Tips
Taking vs. Making Photos
Unlike English ('to make/take a picture'), Spanish often uses 'tomar' for 'taking a photo' ('tomar una foto').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tome
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tome' as a formal command instructing someone to drink something?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tome' a standalone word?
Yes, 'tome' is a complete, conjugated verb form derived from *tomar*. It functions either as the formal way to give a command ('Take it!') or as a special verb form (subjunctive) used after certain expressions of feeling or doubt ('I hope he takes it').
How do I know if 'tome' means 'take' or 'drink'?
You need to look at the context. If it refers to liquids (like *café* or *medicina*), it means 'drink/consume.' If it refers to an object or an action (like *un asiento* or *una decisión*), it means 'take' or 'make/adopt.'