Inklingo

How to Say "let's have" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tomemos

/toh-MEH-mos//toˈme.mos/

verbA2informal
Use 'tomemos' when suggesting to have something to eat or drink, or to take a break.
Two cheerful storybook characters holding up clear glasses filled with orange juice, performing a toast.

Examples

Tomemos un café después de la reunión.

Let's have a coffee after the meeting.

No creo que tomemos suficiente agua durante el ejercicio.

I don't think we drink enough water during exercise.

Tomemos algo frío, hace mucho calor.

Let's drink something cold, it's very hot.

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.

echemos

/eh-CHAY-mohs//eˈtʃemos/

verbA2informal
Use 'echemos' to propose starting an activity, often one that involves some effort or a bit of competition.
Two children in a sunny park tossing a bright red ball to each other.

Examples

¡Echemos una carrera hasta la esquina!

Let's have a race to the corner!

Es mejor que echemos la basura ahora.

It's better that we throw the trash out now.

Echemos un poco más de sal a la sopa.

Let's put a little more salt in the soup.

The 'Let's' Trigger

In Spanish, the word 'echemos' acts like the English 'Let's' when used as a command or suggestion for a group you are part of.

The 'Eche' vs 'Echa' rule

Notice the 'e' at the end of 'echemos'. This 'e' often signals that you are expressing a wish, a doubt, or making a suggestion rather than stating a hard fact.

Echamos vs. Echemos

Mistake: “Using 'echamos' to say 'let's throw'.”

Correction: Use 'echamos' for 'we throw' (fact) and 'echemos' for 'let's throw' (suggestion).

tengamos

/ten-'gah-mos//teŋˈɡa.mos/

verbA2
Use 'tengamos' to propose a more formal gathering or a planned event.
A group of three friends laughing joyfully while setting up a vibrant picnic blanket and basket in a sunny green park, symbolizing proposing a shared activity.

Examples

¡Tengamos una reunión mañana!

Let's have a meeting tomorrow!

No tengamos miedo de preguntar.

Let's not be afraid to ask.

Tengamos fe en que todo saldrá bien.

Let's have faith that everything will turn out well.

Imperative for 'We'

When you want to say 'Let's...' in Spanish, you use the 'nosotros' form of the Present Subjunctive. This is how 'tengamos' works as a suggestion or command.

Negative Commands

The negative command ('Don't let's...') also uses 'tengamos': 'No tengamos prisa' (Let's not hurry).

Using the Infinitive

Mistake: “Saying 'Vamos a tener una fiesta' to mean 'Let's have a party' (while correct, it's less direct than the imperative 'Tengamos').”

Correction: If you want a direct 'Let's have' suggestion, use 'Tengamos'. If you use 'Vamos a tener', it sounds more like 'We are going to have'.

Choosing between 'tomemos' and 'echemos'

Learners often confuse 'tomemos' and 'echemos'. Remember that 'tomemos' is primarily for food, drink, or breaks, while 'echemos' suggests starting an activity, especially a competitive one. Don't use 'echemos' for ordering food.

Related Translations

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