What is the difference between "tomamos", "hicimos" in Spanish?

The English phrase 'we took' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the context. The main difference lies in whether the action is a general habit or a specific, completed event, or if it refers to the act of carrying or transporting something.

How to Say "we took" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “we took” is “tomamos” — use 'tomamos' when referring to a past, completed action of taking something, like a bus, a decision, or a physical object..

tomamos🔊A1

Use 'tomamos' when referring to a past, completed action of taking something, like a bus, a decision, or a physical object.

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hicimos🔊A1

Use 'hicimos' when 'we took' implies 'we did' or 'we made' an action, such as taking a trip, taking a test, or taking a break.

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English → Spanish

tomamos

/toh-MAH-mos//toˈmamos/

VerbA1General

Use 'tomamos' when referring to a past, completed action of taking something, like a bus, a decision, or a physical object.

Two young friends standing side-by-side, each reaching out and taking a piece of fruit from a shared wooden bowl.

Examples

Ayer tomamos un taxi al aeropuerto.

Yesterday we took a taxi to the airport.

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).

See full entry for “tomamos” →

hicimos

/ee-SEE-mohs//iˈsimos/

VerbA1General

Use 'hicimos' when 'we took' implies 'we did' or 'we made' an action, such as taking a trip, taking a test, or taking a break.

Two happy friends standing in a kitchen, holding up a freshly baked pizza they just finished preparing.

Examples

La semana pasada hicimos un viaje a la playa.

Last week we took a trip to the beach.

Ayer hicimos la tarea de español.

Yesterday we did the Spanish homework.

Hicimos una pizza para la cena.

We made a pizza for dinner.

No hicimos nada malo.

We didn't do anything wrong.

The 'We' Form in the Simple Past

'Hicimos' is the way to say 'we did' or 'we made' for a single, completed action in the past. It comes from the verb 'hacer'. Notice how the 'a' in 'hacer' changes to an 'i': hacer -> hicimos.

When to Use 'Hicimos'

Use 'hicimos' for actions that are finished and done. Think of words like 'yesterday' (ayer), 'last night' (anoche), or 'last week' (la semana pasada). If you were describing something you used to do often, you'd use a different form: 'hacíamos'.

Confusing Past and Present

Mistake: “Ayer hacemos un pastel.”

Correction: Ayer **hicimos** un pastel. 'Hacemos' means 'we do/make' right now, while 'hicimos' is for a finished action in the past.

Spelling with 's'

Mistake: “Hisimos la comida.”

Correction: **Hicimos** la comida. Even though it sounds like an 's', it's always spelled with a 'c' because it comes from the verb 'ha**c**er'.

See full entry for “hicimos” →

Tomamos vs. Hicimos

Learners often confuse 'tomamos' and 'hicimos' when the English verb is 'to take'. Remember that 'tomamos' is generally for the act of taking or carrying, while 'hicimos' is used when 'take' means 'do' or 'make'.

Related Translations

we did→we drank→we drink→we grab→we made→we seize→we take→

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