tomarse

Tomarse is a Spanish verb that functions as a pronominal (reflexive) form of tomar. It expresses that the subject takes or experiences the action in a personal, intentional, or experiential way, and it covers both literal and figurative uses.

Literally, tomar means to take or to drink; when used reflexively as tomarse, the action is presented as something the subject carries out for themselves. Common uses include drinking or consuming something, as in me voy a tomar un café, se tomó una copa de vino, or se tomó una sopa. It also appears with meals and small treats, such as tomarse un bocadillo or tomarse una porción de postre.

Tomarse is also used to indicate taking time, breaks, or personal intervals. Phrases such as tomarse un descanso, tomarse un tiempo, tomarse unas vacaciones, tomarse un día libre, or tomarse un respiro describe deliberate pauses or shifts in pace.

Figuratively, tomarse can convey attitude or evaluation: tomarse algo a pecho (take something personally), tomarse en serio (take seriously), tomarse la molestia (take the trouble), or tomarse a mal (take offense). In these contexts, the action is framed as a personal stance or reaction.

Grammar notes: tomarse is pronominal; the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject (me tomo, te tomas, se toma, nos tomamos, os tomáis, se toman). It can often be interchangeable with tomar, but the reflexive form emphasizes personal involvement, intentionality, or a change of state.

Examples: Me voy a tomar un café. Ellos se tomaron unas vacaciones. No te lo tomes a mal. Tomarse el tiempo para leer.

Etymology: derived from tomar, with the reflexive pronoun. Regional variations exist, and tomarse is frequently used in informal or idiomatic contexts.