Meaning
To drink a cup of coffee.
Cultural Background
Coffee is often taken standing at the bar for a quick break, or sitting for a long 'sobremesa' after lunch. It is very cheap compared to the US/UK. The 'café' is a sacred social ritual. Cafes in Buenos Aires are historic sites where people spend hours talking over a single 'cortado'. As a major producer, coffee is a point of national pride. 'Tomar un tinto' is the local way to say 'take a small black coffee'.
The 'Un' Rule
Always include 'un' if you are inviting someone. It makes it sound like a specific event.
Who pays?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the person who invites is the one who pays, though 'splitting' is becoming more common among youth.
Meaning
To drink a cup of coffee.
The 'Un' Rule
Always include 'un' if you are inviting someone. It makes it sound like a specific event.
Who pays?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the person who invites is the one who pays, though 'splitting' is becoming more common among youth.
Beber vs Tomar
In Spain, 'beber' is used more for water/alcohol, but 'tomar' is still king for coffee. In LatAm, 'tomar' is used for everything.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tomar' in the present tense.
Nosotros _______ un café en la terraza.
The subject 'nosotros' requires the '-amos' ending for regular -ar verbs.
Which sentence is a natural social invitation?
'Tomar' is the idiomatic verb for social invitations in Spanish.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are at a bar and want to order.
This is a polite way to order a drink.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Tienes tiempo libre? B: Sí, ¿por qué? A: ___________.
The question form is used to make a suggestion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Coffee Types to 'Tomar'
Types
- • Café solo (Black)
- • Café con leche (With milk)
- • Cortado (Espresso with a dash of milk)
- • Café con hielo (Iced)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNosotros _______ un café en la terraza.
The subject 'nosotros' requires the '-amos' ending for regular -ar verbs.
'Tomar' is the idiomatic verb for social invitations in Spanish.
Context: You are at a bar and want to order.
This is a polite way to order a drink.
A: ¿Tienes tiempo libre? B: Sí, ¿por qué? A: ___________.
The question form is used to make a suggestion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! Even if you drink tea, you can accept an invitation to 'tomar un café'. It's about the meeting, not the beans.
'Un café' is for an indefinite invitation. 'El café' refers to a specific coffee already mentioned or the one sitting in front of you.
Yes, it is universally understood, though some regions might prefer 'beber' for the literal act of drinking water.
You say 'un café para llevar'. But remember, 'tomar un café' usually implies staying!
Related Phrases
Tomar una copa
similarTo have a drink (usually alcoholic).
Quedar con alguien
builds onTo meet up with someone.
Desayunar
relatedTo have breakfast.
