Inklingo

How to Say "you choose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

eliges

/eh-LEE-hehs//eˈlixes/

verbA1general
Use 'eliges' when the focus is on the act of selecting or picking one option from a set of possibilities, especially when the choice is yours to make.
A person pointing their finger at one of three colorful apples on a wooden table.

Examples

Tú eliges el color de la pintura.

You choose the paint color.

¿Por qué siempre eliges el camino más largo?

Why do you always pick the longest path?

Si eliges bien, no tendrás problemas.

If you choose well, you won't have problems.

The 'E' to 'I' Swap

In this word, the 'e' from the base verb (elegir) changes to an 'i' when talking about 'you' (tú). This happens because the stress falls on that syllable.

Speaking to a Friend

'Eliges' is specifically used for one person you are on friendly terms with. For more formal situations, you would use 'elige'.

Avoid 'Eleges'

Mistake: “Tú eleges.”

Correction: Tú eliges. Remember that 'elegir' is a rebel verb that changes its middle letter in the present tense.

tomes

TOH-mess/ˈtomes/

verbA1general
Use 'tomes' when the context implies taking or adopting a specific course of action, or accepting something offered, often with a sense of consequence or recommendation.
A close-up illustration of one hand offering a bright red apple to another hand, symbolizing taking something.

Examples

Espero que tomes el paraguas si va a llover.

I hope that you take the umbrella if it's going to rain.

No tomes esa decisión sin pensarlo bien.

Don't take that decision without thinking it through well.

¿Quieres que tomes un taxi para llegar más rápido?

Do you want me to get a taxi so you can arrive faster?

When to Use 'Tomes'

'Tomes' is a special verb form used when you are talking to 'tú' (you, informal) about a wish, a doubt, or a suggestion. It often follows words like 'que' (that) or verbs of wishing (querer, esperar).

Negative Commands

To tell someone 'tú' not to do something (a negative command), you must use 'tomes' instead of the usual 'tomas.' Example: 'No tomes mi libro' (Don't take my book).

Mixing Command Forms

Mistake: “No tomas mi dinero.”

Correction: No tomes mi dinero. (The negative command for 'tú' always uses the special 'tomes' form.)

Choosing between 'eliges' and 'tomes'

Learners often confuse these when the English 'you choose' could imply either selecting an item or deciding to take something. Remember, 'eliges' is for the act of selection itself, while 'tomes' often implies the action of taking something or making a decision that leads to taking it.

Related Translations

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