Meaning
To treat something with importance and not lightly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'seriedad' is often linked to 'palabra de honor' (word of honor). If you don't take a promise 'en serio', you are seen as 'informal', which is a significant social insult. In Mexican business culture, building trust is key. Taking a potential partner 'en serio' involves spending time on 'la sobremesa' (post-meal conversation) before talking business. Argentines often use '¿Posta?' or '¿En serio?' as a filler to express disbelief or surprise in casual conversation. The phrase 'tomar a pecho' is very common in Colombia to describe someone who is easily offended or takes things too personally.
The 'Lo' Trick
When in doubt, use 'tomárselo en serio'. It covers almost any situation where you are talking about an attitude toward a general thing.
Avoid 'Seriamente'
While not 'wrong', it marks you as a non-native speaker. Stick to 'en serio'.
Meaning
To treat something with importance and not lightly.
The 'Lo' Trick
When in doubt, use 'tomárselo en serio'. It covers almost any situation where you are talking about an attitude toward a general thing.
Avoid 'Seriamente'
While not 'wrong', it marks you as a non-native speaker. Stick to 'en serio'.
Subjunctive Alert
Use it with 'Es importante que...' to sound very natural: 'Es importante que te lo tomes en serio'.
Seriedad is Respect
Remember that in Spanish, asking someone to take you 'en serio' is a request for dignity, not just attention.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'tomar'.
Si quieres ser médico, ________ en serio tus estudios de biología.
This is an imperative (command) addressed to 'tú'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the natural Spanish expression:
'Tomar en serio' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¡Me voy a vivir a la Antártida!' Amigo: '¿Lo dices ________?'
'¿Lo dices en serio?' is the standard way to ask 'Are you serious?'.
Match the phrase with the most likely situation.
'Es hora de que nos tomemos en serio el presupuesto familiar.'
The phrase implies a need for responsibility and planning.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tomar en serio vs. Tomar a pecho
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi quieres ser médico, ________ en serio tus estudios de biología.
This is an imperative (command) addressed to 'tú'.
Select the natural Spanish expression:
'Tomar en serio' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
Juan: '¡Me voy a vivir a la Antártida!' Amigo: '¿Lo dices ________?'
'¿Lo dices en serio?' is the standard way to ask 'Are you serious?'.
'Es hora de que nos tomemos en serio el presupuesto familiar.'
The phrase implies a need for responsibility and planning.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! Adding 'muy' (very) is very common to emphasize the level of commitment.
It is always 'en serio'. 'De serio' is incorrect.
'En serio' refers to the attitude of gravity. 'De verdad' means 'really' or 'truly'. You can say '¿En serio?' or '¿De verdad?' to mean 'Really?', but only 'tomar en serio' works for the idiom.
Yes. 'Tomar en serio a alguien' means to respect them and value their input.
It is neutral. It works in a boardroom and in a bedroom.
You say 'Hablo en serio' or simply 'En serio'.
Yes: 'Me lo tomé en serio'.
No, 'tomar a pecho' is more emotional and can be negative (taking offense).
Yes, 'lo' acts as the object (the thing you are taking seriously).
Yes, followed by a clause: 'Tomo en serio que quieras cambiar'.
In some places, 'ponerse las pilas' (to put in batteries) is a slang way to say 'start taking things seriously'.
While the words are A1, using it correctly in all contexts is a B2 skill.
Related Phrases
Tomar a pecho
similarTo take to heart/personally
Ponerse serio
builds onTo become serious
Dar importancia
synonymTo give importance
Tomar por el pito del sereno
contrastTo not give a damn about someone
Hablar en serio
similarTo speak seriously
