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"Tomar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take", and "recoger" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pick up". Learn more about the difference between "tomar" and "recoger" below.
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)
recoger(
rreh
-
koh
-
hehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to lift up)
a. to pick up
Tuve que recoger todas las canicas que se cayeron al suelo.I had to pick up all the marbles that fell on the floor.
2. (to collect)
a. to gather
Es importante recoger toda la información necesaria.It is important to gather all the necessary information.
a. to clean up
Tenemos que recoger la cocina antes de la fiesta.We have to clean up the kitchen before the party.
4. (to fetch)
a. to pick up
¿Puedes venir a recogerme al aeropuerto el próximo domingo?Would you be able to pick me up at the airport next Sunday?
6. (to harvest)
a. to pick
¿Cuándo es el mejor momento para recoger fresas?When is the best time to pick strawberries?
7. (to contain)
a. to include
El documental recoge el testimonio de personas que fueron testigo de aquel escalofriante suceso.The documentary includes the testimony of people who witnessed that horrifying incident.
recogerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to go to bed
"Yo siempre me recojo muy temprano," dijo mi abuela y soltó un bostezo."I always go to bed very early," said my grandmother and she yawned.
10. (religion)
a. to withdraw
Cuando se quedó viuda, la condesa se recogió en un convento.The countess withdrew to a convent when she became a widow.
b. to retire
Después del desayuno, los monjes se recogen para meditar.After breakfast, the monks retire to meditate.
11. (clothing)
a. to lift up (skirt)
La muchacha se recogió la falda y metió los pies en el río.The girl lifted up her skirt and put her feet in the river.
b. to roll up (pants, sleeves)
Recógete las mangas de la camisa o te las mancharás de grasa.Roll up your shirt sleeves or you'll get them stained with grease.
