Inklingo

How to Say "i drink" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bebo

/beh-boh//ˈbe.βo/

verbA1
Use 'bebo' for the general act of drinking something, whether it's a regular habit or something you are doing right now.
A simple illustration showing a joyful child drinking liquid from a brightly colored blue cup.

Examples

Siempre bebo agua después de correr.

I always drink water after running.

¿Qué bebo? Un vaso de leche, por favor.

What am I drinking? A glass of milk, please.

Si bebo café muy tarde, no puedo dormir.

If I drink coffee too late, I can't sleep.

The 'Yo' Form

In Spanish, the 'yo' (I) form of regular '-er' verbs always ends in '-o' in the present tense. Think: 'beber' minus 'er' plus 'o' = 'bebo'.

Regular Verb Pattern

Since 'beber' is a regular verb, it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-er.' Once you learn 'bebo,' you know the pattern for hundreds of other verbs!

Mixing up Tenses

Mistake: “Ayer bebo mucha agua. (Yesterday I drink a lot of water.)”

Correction: Ayer bebí mucha agua. ('Bebo' is only for the present; use 'bebí' for the past.)

tomo

TOH-moh/ˈto.mo/

verbA1
Use 'tomo' specifically when referring to drinking beverages, especially common in Spain, or when talking about taking public transport.
A cartoonish hand reaching down to grab a single bright red apple resting on a simple wooden surface.

Examples

Tomo un café por la mañana.

I have a coffee in the morning.

Tomo el autobús para ir a la escuela.

I take the bus to go to school.

Todos los días tomo un café con leche.

Every day I drink a coffee with milk.

Tomo nota de todo lo que dices.

I take note of everything you say.

Using 'Tomar' for Drinks

In Spain, 'tomar' is very common for drinking coffee, tea, or alcohol. In many parts of Latin America, 'beber' (to drink) is more frequently used for liquids.

Taking a Decision

When talking about making a decision, Spanish speakers use 'tomar una decisión' (I take a decision), not 'hacer una decisión' (I make a decision).

Confusing 'Tomar' and 'Llevar'

Mistake: “Llevo el autobús a casa. (I carry the bus home.)”

Correction: Tomo el autobús a casa. ('Tomar' is for using transport; 'llevar' is for carrying or taking a person/thing somewhere.)

tome

TOH-meh/ˈto.me/

verbA1formal/subjunctive
Use 'tome' in formal situations or when expressing doubt, necessity, or desire, as it's the subjunctive form of 'tomar'.
A simple colorful illustration showing a person politely lifting a clear glass of water to their lips, actively drinking the liquid.

Examples

Es crucial que tome esta medicina cada ocho horas.

It is crucial that you (formal) take this medicine every eight hours.

¡Tome un café conmigo!

Have (drink) a coffee with me!

Recomiendo que él tome mucha agua durante el viaje.

I recommend that he drinks a lot of water during the trip.

'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.

Bebo vs. Tomo for 'I drink'

The most common confusion is between 'bebo' and 'tomo'. While 'bebo' is the direct translation for 'I drink', 'tomo' is often used, especially in Spain, for drinking beverages. Use 'bebo' for the general act and 'tomo' for specific beverages or when you mean 'I take'.

Related Translations

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