tomemos
/toh-MEH-mos/
let's take
Tomemos means "let's take," like suggesting we pick up this apple.
tomemos(verb)
let's take
?as a suggestion or command
,let's grab
?physical action
that we take
?used after verbs of wishing or doubt (subjunctive)
📝 In Action
Tomemos la autopista para llegar más rápido.
A1Let's take the highway to arrive faster.
Si hace frío, tomemos un abrigo antes de salir.
A2If it's cold, let's grab a coat before going out.
Es esencial que tomemos medidas ahora para resolver el problema.
B1It is essential that we take action now to solve the problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Tomemos'
'Tomemos' is special because it works both as a direct suggestion ('Let's take...') and as the verb form needed after words that express wishes or doubt about 'us'.
Using 'Let's...' (Imperative)
To say 'Let's take/do something,' you use the 'nosotros' form of the special mood (the present subjunctive). Example: '¡Tomemos un taxi!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Imperative and Indicative
Mistake: "Usando 'Tomamos un descanso' when suggesting 'Let's take a break.'"
Correction: Use '¡Tomemos un descanso!' 'Tomamos' only means 'We take/are taking' (a statement of fact).
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Reflexive Pronouns
When 'tomemos' is used as a 'Let's...' command and needs a reflexive pronoun (like 'nos'), you drop the final 's': 'Vámonos' (Let's go), not 'vamosnos'.
When suggesting a beverage, tomemos means "let's drink."
tomemos(verb)
let's drink
?suggesting beverages
,let's have
?suggesting food or a break
that we drink
?subjunctive usage
📝 In Action
Tomemos un café después de la reunión.
A1Let's have a coffee after the meeting.
No creo que tomemos suficiente agua durante el ejercicio.
B1I don't think we drink enough water during exercise.
Tomemos algo frío, hace mucho calor.
A2Let's drink something cold, it's very hot.
💡 Grammar Points
Taking vs. Drinking
In Spanish, 'tomar' is often used for drinking, especially alcoholic drinks or coffee, where English might use 'have.' 'Beber' is generally reserved for water or soft drinks.
In the context of action or decision, tomemos translates to "let's make," showing a unified choice.
tomemos(verb)
let's make
?referring to a decision or action
,let's catch
?referring to transport
📝 In Action
Si no hay metro, tomemos un taxi.
A2If there's no subway, let's catch a taxi.
Tomemos en cuenta todos los factores antes de firmar.
B1Let's take into account all the factors before signing.
Dudo que tomemos la ruta más fácil, siempre hay tráfico.
B2I doubt we will take the easiest route; there is always traffic.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Meanings
When 'tomemos' refers to decisions, control, or initiative, it moves into a more abstract, higher-level vocabulary usage, similar to 'adopt' or 'undertake'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tomemos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tomemos' as a direct suggestion ('Let's...')?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'tomemos' look exactly the same for 'Let's take' and 'that we take'?
This is common in Spanish! The 'nosotros' form of the special mood (present subjunctive) is used for both the direct suggestion ('Let's...') and when the verb is governed by a feeling or doubt (like 'I hope that we...'). The context tells you which meaning is intended.
When should I use 'tomemos' (from tomar) instead of 'bebamos' (from beber) when talking about drinks?
'Tomar' is more flexible and very common for consuming coffee, alcohol, or even medicine. 'Beber' is generally reserved for drinking water or soft drinks. When in doubt, 'tomar' usually works.