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How to Say "i take" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i take” is “tomo” — use 'tomo' when referring to the action of grabbing, picking up, or using transportation like a bus or train..

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tomo

TOH-moh/ˈto.mo/

VerbA1General
Use 'tomo' when referring to the action of grabbing, picking up, or using transportation like a bus or train.
A cartoonish hand reaching down to grab a single bright red apple resting on a simple wooden surface.

Examples

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.)

cojo

KOH-hoh/ˈko.xo/

VerbA1General
Use 'cojo' primarily in Spain and some parts of Latin America to mean 'I grab' or 'I hold,' and also for using transportation.
A person's hand reaching down and firmly grasping a bright red apple resting on a table.

Examples

Yo cojo el autobús todos los días para ir al trabajo.

I take the bus every day to go to work.

Cojo un taxi si llego tarde.

I grab a taxi if I arrive late.

Si cojo ese resfriado, me quedaré en casa.

If I catch that cold, I will stay home.

G to J Change

The verb 'coger' is mostly regular, but the 'g' changes to a 'j' whenever it is followed by an 'o' or an 'a' (like in 'cojo' or 'coja') to keep the sound consistent. This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -ger.

llevo

/YEH-voh//ˈʎeβo/

VerbA1General
Use 'llevo' when the meaning is 'I carry' or 'I transport' something or someone from one place to another.
A person walking down a road while carrying a large, heavy backpack and a small suitcase, illustrating the act of transporting items.

Examples

Siempre llevo mi botella de agua conmigo.

I always carry my water bottle with me.

Te llevo al aeropuerto mañana por la mañana.

I'll take you to the airport tomorrow morning.

Llevo el postre a la cena de esta noche.

I'm bringing the dessert to the dinner tonight.

Llevar vs. Traer

'Llevo' is for taking something away from where you are now. 'Traigo' (from 'traer') is for bringing something to where you are now. Think of it as 'go-take' (llevar) vs. 'come-bring' (traer).

Using for 'bring'

Mistake: “Voy a la fiesta y llevo mis amigos.”

Correction: This is often okay, but if you want to be precise about bringing them *to* the speaker, you might use 'traer'. 'Llevar' implies movement away from your starting point.

acepto

/a-SEP-to//aˈsepto/

VerbA1General
Use 'acepto' specifically when you mean 'I accept' something, such as a job offer, responsibility, or blame.
A close-up illustration showing two hands. One hand is holding out a small, brightly wrapped gift box, and the other hand is reaching forward to receive it, symbolizing acceptance.

Examples

Acepto el trabajo con mucho gusto.

I accept the job with great pleasure.

Si, acepto las condiciones que me ofreces.

Yes, I accept the conditions you offer me.

Acepto que me equivoqué, pero aprendí la lección.

I accept that I made a mistake, but I learned the lesson.

The 'I' Form

Acepto is the 'yo' (I) form in the present tense. It is used for actions you are doing right now or habitually.

A Regular Verb

Acepto comes from the -ar verb 'aceptar.' This verb is regular, meaning its endings follow the standard, easy-to-remember pattern.

Sound-alike Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'excepto' instead of 'acepto'.”

Correction: 'Excepto' means 'except' (like 'todos excepto yo'). 'Acepto' is the verb 'I accept.' They sound similar but are very different!

tome

TOH-meh/ˈto.me/

VerbA1Formal/Subjunctive
Use 'tome' as a formal command (usted form) or in subjunctive contexts, often meaning 'take' in the sense of 'take a seat' or 'take this'.
A high-quality storybook illustration of a stylized hand formally grasping a bright red apple, demonstrating the action of taking an object.

Examples

Por favor, tome asiento.

Please, take a seat (formal command).

Quiero que usted tome el camino más corto.

I want you (formal) to take the shortest route.

Dudo que yo tome esa decisión pronto.

I doubt that I will take that decision soon.

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.

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').

Confusing 'tomo'/'cojo' with 'llevo'

Learners often confuse 'tomo' and 'cojo' (for grabbing or using transport) with 'llevo' (for carrying). Remember: if you are physically transporting an item or person with you, 'llevo' is usually the correct choice. 'Tomo' and 'cojo' are more about the act of taking possession or using transport.

Related Translations

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