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"Tardar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take", and "tomar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to take". Learn more about the difference between "tardar" and "tomar" below.
tardar(
tahr
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to take
No puedo creer que tardaste dos horas en llegar.I can't believe it took you two hours to get here.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be long
¿Puedo ir a la tienda, mamá? - Sí, pero no tardes.Can I go to the store, Mom? - Yes, but don't be long.
tardarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to take too much time) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
b. to take a long time
¡Cómo te tardas! ¡Apúrate ya!You're taking such a long time! Hurry up already!
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)
