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The verb TOMAR is very common and useful. Its basic meaning is "to take," but it is used in several important everyday situations.

1. TOMAR = To take, to grab (a physical object)
This is the basic meaning of taking something with your hand.

Tomé el libro de la mesa. = I took the book from the table.

Toma tu chaqueta. = Take your jacket.

2. TOMAR = To take (transportation)
Used when you use a bus, train, taxi, or other transportation.

Tomo el autobús al trabajo. = I take the bus to work.

Vamos a tomar un taxi. = Let's take a taxi.

3. TOMAR = To have, to consume (food, drink, medicine)
This is the standard verb for eating, drinking, or taking medicine.

Voy a tomar un café. = I'm going to have a coffee.

Toma esta medicina después de comer. = Take this medicine after eating.

4. TOMAR = To take (a decision, a photo, notes)
Used for abstract "taking" like making decisions or capturing information.

Tomaron una decisión importante. = They made an important decision.

Tomé muchas fotos en el viaje. = I took many photos on the trip.

5. TOMAR = To take on, to acquire (a quality)
Describes when something begins to have a certain appearance or characteristic.

El cielo tomó un color rojo. = The sky took on a red color.

La situación tomó un cariz grave. = The situation took on a serious tone.

Important Regional Note
In Spain, "coger" is often used for meanings #1 and #2. However, in many Latin American countries, "coger" is a vulgar word. "Tomar" is the safe, neutral verb understood everywhere.

Common Expressions
Tomar el sol = To sunbathe

Tomar asiento = To take a seat

Tomar apuntes = To take notes

Tomar una ducha = To take a shower

Tomar el pelo = To pull someone's leg (to joke)

In this video, you will learn how to conjugate TOMAR, understand its different meanings, and see when to use it instead of other verbs like "coger" or "beber."