Inklingo

How to Say "to drink" in Spanish

English → Spanish

beber

beh-behrbeˈβeɾ

verbA1general
Use 'beber' when referring to the general act of consuming any liquid, regardless of the specific substance or context.
A child happily drinking a glass of water.

Examples

Bebo mucha agua después de correr.

I drink a lot of water after running.

¿Quieres beber algo?

Do you want to drink something?

Es importante beber al menos dos litros de agua al día.

It is important to drink at least two liters of water a day.

Beber vs. Tomar

While 'beber' specifically means to drink, most people in Latin America use 'tomar' (which also means 'to take') for daily drinking activities.

No word needed between verb and object

You can go straight from the action to the liquid. For example, say 'beber café' directly, without adding 'de' or 'con' unless you are describing the coffee.

Using 'beber de' for 'to drink water'

Mistake: “Bebo de agua.”

Correction: Bebo agua. Use 'beber' directly with the liquid. Use 'de' only if you are talking about the container, like 'beber de la botella' (to drink from the bottle).

tomar

toh-MAHRtoˈmaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'tomar' when specifically referring to consuming beverages like coffee, wine, or beer, often implying a social or habitual context.
A close-up of a hand holding and lifting a white ceramic mug filled with steaming coffee towards the mouth.

Examples

¿Quieres tomar un café conmigo?

Do you want to have a coffee with me?

Vamos a tomar unas tapas por el centro.

Let's go have some tapas downtown.

No tomo alcohol, gracias. Prefiero agua.

I don't drink alcohol, thanks. I prefer water.

tomarse

toh-MAHR-sehtoˈmaɾse

verbA1general
Use 'tomarse' when emphasizing the act of consuming a specific beverage, often implying enjoyment or a personal ritual.
A person happily drinking a glass of water.

Examples

Me tomo un café todas las mañanas.

I drink a coffee every morning.

¿Te tomaste la pastilla?

Did you take your pill?

The 'Personal' Touch

Using 'me' or 'te' with 'tomar' (making it 'tomarse') often implies you are consuming the whole thing or doing it for your own enjoyment.

Missing the pronoun

Mistake: “Tomo un café.”

Correction: Say 'Me tomo un café' when talking about a specific drink you are having right now.

General vs. Specific Beverages

Learners often default to 'beber' for all liquids. Remember that 'tomar' and 'tomarse' are very common for specific drinks like coffee, wine, or soda, especially when it's part of a routine or social activity.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.