Meaning
The act of writing down important information, often in class.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'coger apuntes' is the most natural way to say this. Students often use 'bolis' (pens) of different colors to organize their notes. Avoid 'coger' at all costs. 'Tomar apuntes' is the standard and polite way to express this action in all educational settings. While 'tomar apuntes' is used, you will also hear 'tomar nota' or simply 'anotar'. Argentine students are very collaborative with their notes. In Colombia, the term 'apuntes' is very common, and students often 'sacan fotocopias' (make photocopies) of the best student's notes.
The 'Coger' Trap
Remember that 'coger' is only safe in Spain. In the Americas, always use 'tomar'.
Plurality
Always keep 'apuntes' plural when talking about the activity. 'Tomar un apunte' sounds like you are an architect making a single sketch.
Meaning
The act of writing down important information, often in class.
The 'Coger' Trap
Remember that 'coger' is only safe in Spain. In the Americas, always use 'tomar'.
Plurality
Always keep 'apuntes' plural when talking about the activity. 'Tomar un apunte' sounds like you are an architect making a single sketch.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tomar'.
Yo siempre _______ apuntes en la clase de español.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Which sentence is correct in Mexico?
A) Quiero coger apuntes. B) Quiero tomar apuntes.
In Mexico, 'coger' has a vulgar meaning, so 'tomar' is the correct choice.
Match the person with the action.
1. El estudiante / 2. Los profesores / 3. Tú
Matches the subject with the correct third-person singular, third-person plural, and second-person singular forms.
Complete the dialogue.
Profesor: 'Saquen sus cuadernos.' Estudiante: 'Sí, voy a _______ apuntes.'
The standard collocation for writing notes in class is 'tomar apuntes'.
Where would you hear this?
'¿Me prestas tus apuntes? No vine ayer.'
Asking for notes is a typical student interaction.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesYo siempre _______ apuntes en la clase de español.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
A) Quiero coger apuntes. B) Quiero tomar apuntes.
In Mexico, 'coger' has a vulgar meaning, so 'tomar' is the correct choice.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the subject with the correct third-person singular, third-person plural, and second-person singular forms.
Profesor: 'Saquen sus cuadernos.' Estudiante: 'Sí, voy a _______ apuntes.'
The standard collocation for writing notes in class is 'tomar apuntes'.
'¿Me prestas tus apuntes? No vine ayer.'
Asking for notes is a typical student interaction.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsSí, es gramaticalmente correcto, pero 'tomar apuntes' es mucho más común y natural.
'Apuntes' son para estudiar; 'notas' suelen ser las calificaciones (grades) de un examen.
Related Phrases
Tomar nota
similarTo make a note of something specific.
Pasar a limpio
builds onTo rewrite notes neatly.
Escribir
specialized formTo write.
