tómalo
/TOH-mah-loh/
Take it
Use tómalo when you are offering a physical object to someone, meaning 'Take it.'
tómalo(command/verb phrase)
Take it
?When offering a physical object
Grab it
?Informal or urgent request
,Get it
?Retrieving something
📝 In Action
Aquí está la llave. ¡Tómalo!
A1Here is the key. Take it!
Necesitas este paraguas. Tómalo, porque va a llover.
A2You need this umbrella. Take it, because it is going to rain.
Si quieres el último trozo de pizza, tómalo ya.
B1If you want the last slice of pizza, take it now.
💡 Grammar Points
Structure of Tómalo
This word is the affirmative command for 'tú' (toma) combined with the direct object pronoun 'lo' ('it'). The meaning is 'You, take it!'
The Accent Rule
When you attach pronouns (like 'lo') to an affirmative command, you must add an accent mark (tó-) to ensure the spoken stress stays on the original syllable (TÓ-ma) and doesn't shift to the end (to-MA-lo).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Tomalo"
Correction: Tómalo. Without the accent, the stress falls on the wrong syllable, making the word sound unnatural.
Using 'tómalo' for 'usted'
Mistake: "Señor, tómalo (when speaking formally)"
Correction: Señor, tómelo. Use the 'usted' form (tome) when speaking formally or to someone you don't know well.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Tú' Command
Remember to only use 'tómalo' with people you would address as 'tú' (friends, family, children). For formal situations, use 'tómelo'.
Tómalo can also mean 'accept it,' especially when referring to advice or an idea.
tómalo(command/verb phrase)
Accept it
?Referring to an abstract idea, like advice or criticism
Take it (well/badly)
?Dealing with a situation
,Deal with it
?Facing a difficult truth
📝 In Action
No te lo tomes a pecho. Tómalo como una broma.
B1Don't take it to heart. Take it as a joke.
Si la vida te da limones, tómalo y haz limonada.
B2If life gives you lemons, take it and make lemonade.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
In this context, 'tomar' doesn't mean grabbing something physical, but rather receiving or internalizing a piece of information or a feeling.
When referring to medicine or a drink, tómalo means 'Drink it.'
tómalo(command/verb phrase)
Drink it
?Referring to a beverage or medicine
Consume it
?Formal reference to liquid consumption
📝 In Action
El doctor dijo que si tienes fiebre, tómalo inmediatamente.
A2The doctor said that if you have a fever, drink it (the medicine) immediately.
Si el jugo está muy dulce, tómalo con hielo.
B1If the juice is too sweet, drink it with ice.
💡 Grammar Points
Tomar vs. Beber
In Spanish, 'tomar' is often used interchangeably with 'beber' (to drink), especially when referring to medications or hot beverages. 'Tómalo' is very natural in these contexts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tómalo
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish command would you use to tell a child to drink their glass of milk?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tómalo' and 'tómela'?
'Tómalo' means 'take it' when the object you are taking is masculine (like el libro, el café). 'Tómela' means 'take it' when the object is feminine (like la llave, la pastilla/the pill). The form 'tómalo' uses the object pronoun 'lo' (it, masculine) and 'tómela' uses 'la' (it, feminine).
How do I make the formal command 'Take it'?
To speak formally (using 'usted'), you change the verb part from 'toma' to 'tome'. So, the formal command is 'tómelo' (for a masculine object) or 'tómela' (for a feminine object).