Inklingo

How to Say "we take" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llevamos

yeh-VAH-mos/ʎeˈβamos/

verbA1general
Use 'llevamos' when 'we take' means to transport or carry something or someone from one place to another.
Two children struggling slightly but smiling as they work together to carry a large wicker basket filled with colorful fruit.

Examples

Llevamos todos los libros en una mochila.

We carry all the books in one backpack.

Si quieres, te llevamos a la estación de tren.

If you want, we'll take you to the train station.

Siempre llevamos agua cuando salimos a caminar.

We always bring water when we go out walking.

Same word, different tense!

Be careful! 'Llevamos' is the 'we' form for both the Present Tense (we carry) AND the Preterite Tense (we carried). Context tells you which one is correct.

tomamos

/toh-MAH-mos//toˈmamos/

verbA1general
Use 'tomamos' when 'we take' refers to choosing a specific route, making a decision, or performing an action.
Two young friends standing side-by-side, each reaching out and taking a piece of fruit from a shared wooden bowl.

Examples

Siempre tomamos el camino más largo para ver el paisaje.

We always take the long road to see the scenery.

Ayer tomamos una decisión muy importante para el equipo.

Yesterday we took a very important decision for the team.

Dual Identity: Present vs. Past

The form 'tomamos' is special because it means both 'we take/are taking' (Present Tense) and 'we took' (Simple Past Tense). You must use context (like time words, e.g., 'ayer' or 'hoy') to know which one is meant.

Confusing 'Tomar' and 'Llevar'

Mistake: “Using 'tomar' when you mean 'to carry' or 'to take (someone/something) somewhere'.”

Correction: Use 'tomar' for grabbing or consuming, but use 'llevar' for transportation or carrying: 'Llevamos las maletas al coche' (We carry the suitcases to the car).

Carrying vs. Choosing

The most common mistake is using 'llevamos' when you mean 'tomamos' to choose a path or make a decision. Remember, 'llevamos' is for physical transport, while 'tomamos' is for choices, actions, or routes.

Related Translations

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