tomes
/TOH-mess/
you take
Tomes (you take) often implies accepting something offered, like a suggestion or an item.
tomes(verb)
you take
?as a suggestion or command
,you grab
?physical action
you pick up
?an object
,you choose
?an option
📝 In Action
Espero que tomes el paraguas si va a llover.
A2I hope that you take the umbrella if it's going to rain.
No tomes esa decisión sin pensarlo bien.
B1Don't take that decision without thinking it through well.
¿Quieres que tomes un taxi para llegar más rápido?
A2Do you want me to get a taxi so you can arrive faster?
💡 Grammar Points
When to Use 'Tomes'
'Tomes' is a special verb form used when you are talking to 'tú' (you, informal) about a wish, a doubt, or a suggestion. It often follows words like 'que' (that) or verbs of wishing (querer, esperar).
Negative Commands
To tell someone 'tú' not to do something (a negative command), you must use 'tomes' instead of the usual 'tomas.' Example: 'No tomes mi libro' (Don't take my book).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: "No tomas mi dinero."
Correction: No tomes mi dinero. (The negative command for 'tú' always uses the special 'tomes' form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Vowel Change
For -ar verbs like 'tomar,' when you switch to the special subjunctive/negative command forms, the 'a' changes to an 'e': 'tomas' becomes 'tomes'.
Tomes (you drink) is used when referring to consuming beverages.
📝 In Action
Te sugiero que tomes agua antes de ir al gimnasio.
A2I suggest that you drink water before going to the gym.
¡No tomes tanto café! Te va a dar dolor de cabeza.
A1Don't drink so much coffee! It's going to give you a headache.
💡 Grammar Points
Drinking vs. Eating
In many regions, 'tomar' is preferred over 'beber' when talking about having a casual drink, like coffee or a beer, similar to saying 'to have' in English.
Tomes (you catch) can refer to taking public transportation, like a bus or train.
📝 In Action
Necesito que tomes el tren de las cinco si quieres llegar a tiempo.
B1I need you to take the five o'clock train if you want to arrive on time.
Ten cuidado que no tomes un resfriado con este frío.
B2Be careful that you don't catch a cold in this weather.
💡 Grammar Points
Taking Photos
While 'sacar una foto' (to take out a photo) is also common, 'tomar una foto' is the standard way to say 'to take a photograph' in much of Latin America.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tomes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tomes' as a negative command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'tomar' mean both 'to take' and 'to drink'?
Think of 'tomar' as a very versatile verb meaning 'to get hold of' or 'to consume.' You can 'get hold of' an object (to take it) or 'get hold of' a beverage (to drink it). The context always tells you which meaning is correct.
How do I know when to use 'tomes' versus 'tomas'?
Use 'tomas' when talking about a simple fact or habit ('Tú tomas el bus'). Use 'tomes' when expressing doubt, desire, necessity, or giving a negative command ('Dudo que tomes el bus' or 'No tomes el bus'). 'Tomes' signals uncertainty or influence.