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"Dar un examen" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to take an exam", and "tomar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take". Learn more about the difference between "dar un examen" and "tomar" below.
dar un examen(
dahr
oon
ehk
-
sah
-
mehn
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to do an exam) (South America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. to take an exam
Si vas a dar un examen, procura dormir bien la noche anterior.If you're going to take an exam, try to get a good night's sleep.
b. to take a test
Ayer di examen de matemáticas, pero aún no sé la calificación.I took a math test yesterday, but I don't know my grade yet.
c. to sit an exam (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Yo ya di todos mis exámenes y ya acabé el curso.I sat all my exams, and my course is finished now.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
2. (to assign an exam) (Mexico) (South America)
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. to give an exam
El profesor de matemáticas nos dio un examen sorpresa el lunes.Our math teacher gave us a surprise exam on Monday.
b. to give a test
La maestra nos da un examen todos los viernes con preguntas sobre todo lo que hemos estudiado durante la semana.The teacher gives us a test every Friday with questions about everything we've studied during the week.
c. to set an exam (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Les voy a dar un examen a mis alumnos para ver si entendieron las últimas tres unidades que les expliqué.I'm going to set an exam for my students to see if they understood the last three units I explained.
tomar(
toh
-
mahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to grab)
2. (to consume)
a. to take (medication)
Él tiene que tomar sus medicamentos dos veces al día.He has to take his medication twice a day.
3. (to ride)
4. (to seize)
5. (to absorb)
a. to get
Sal y toma un poco de aire fresco.Go out and get some fresh air.
Deja de jugar tantos videojuegos y sal a tomar el sol.Stop playing so many video games and go out and get some sun.
a. to drink
Tienes que tomar mucha agua en estos días tan calurosos.You have to drink a lot of water on such hot days.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
8. (to consume alcohol) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to drink
¿Quieres una copa de vino? - Gracias, pero no tomo.Would you like a glass of wine? - Thanks, but I don't drink.
tomarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
10. (to react)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No te lo tomes a pecho, pero no me gusta tu corte de pelo.Don't take it to heart, but I don't like your haircut.
¿Cómo se lo tomó?How did he take it?
11. (to consume)
12. (to get drunk)
