Meaning
To lie in the sun to get a tan.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, taking sun is a social event. People often go in groups, share 'água de coco', and stay for hours. Tanning is highly valued. In Portugal, 'apanhar sol' is the preferred term. While tanning is popular, there is also a strong tradition of 'esplanadas' (outdoor cafes) where people sit just to be in the sun. In Luanda, the 'Ilha do Cabo' is a prime spot for 'tomar sol'. The phrase is used similarly to Brazil, emphasizing leisure and the beach lifestyle.
The 'Take' Rule
In Portuguese, you 'take' (tomar) many things: sun, rain, wind, and even coffee. It implies experiencing or consuming the element.
Weather vs. Action
Never say 'Eu faço sol'. Only the sky 'faz sol'. You 'toma sol'.
Meaning
To lie in the sun to get a tan.
The 'Take' Rule
In Portuguese, you 'take' (tomar) many things: sun, rain, wind, and even coffee. It implies experiencing or consuming the element.
Weather vs. Action
Never say 'Eu faço sol'. Only the sky 'faz sol'. You 'toma sol'.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, try using 'apanhar sol' to sound more like a local!
Test Yourself
How do you say 'I am sunbathing'?
Eu estou _______ sol.
'Tomando' is the correct verb for sunbathing.
Complete the sentence with the correct word for 'sun'.
Hoje o dia está lindo, vou tomar ____.
You 'take' the sun (sol) to tan.
Match the phrase to the goal.
Goal: To get Vitamin D.
Sunlight provides Vitamin D.
What is the best response?
A: O que você fez na praia? B: Eu ______ muito sol.
The question is in the past, so the answer must be 'tomei'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you 'Tomar' in Portuguese
Nature
- • Sol
- • Chuva
- • Vento
Drinks
- • Café
- • Água
- • Suco
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu estou _______ sol.
'Tomando' is the correct verb for sunbathing.
Hoje o dia está lindo, vou tomar ____.
You 'take' the sun (sol) to tan.
Goal: To get Vitamin D.
Sunlight provides Vitamin D.
A: O que você fez na praia? B: Eu ______ muito sol.
The question is in the past, so the answer must be 'tomei'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNot necessarily. It can just mean sitting in the sun for warmth or health, though tanning is the most common association.
No, that sounds poetic but is not a standard expression. Stick to 'tomar'.
In Brazil, it's very common and correct in informal speech. In Portugal, it's less common.
You say 'Tomei sol demais' or 'Peguei muito sol'.
In Portuguese, we usually omit the article 'o'. Just 'tomar sol' is the standard.
There isn't a direct opposite, but you could say 'ficar na sombra' (stay in the shade).
Related Phrases
Pegar um bronze
slangTo get a tan
Banho de sol
similarSun bath
Queimar-se
contrastTo get sunburned
