A1 Collocation Neutral 1 min read

Tomar sol

To sunbathe

Practice it

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Tomar sol means to expose your body to sunlight, usually for relaxation or to get a tan.

  • Means: To sunbathe or expose skin to direct sunlight.
  • Used in: Beach trips, poolside relaxation, or sunny park afternoons.
  • Don't confuse: 'Tomar sol' (sunbathing) with 'tomar um sol' (less common, implies a specific short session).
Person + Sun + Relax = Tomar sol

Explanation at your level:

Tomar sol means to sit or lie in the sun. We use it when we go to the beach or the park to relax.
This is a common collocation used to describe the act of sunbathing. It is used when someone is intentionally exposing their skin to sunlight for relaxation or health benefits.
The phrase 'tomar sol' functions as a standard collocation for sun exposure. It is widely used in both Brazil and Portugal, though 'apanhar sol' is a frequent variant in the latter. It implies a stationary, intentional activity.
As a high-frequency collocation, 'tomar sol' is deeply embedded in the cultural lexicon of Portuguese-speaking nations. It signifies a leisure-oriented approach to environmental interaction, often associated with the 'beach culture' prevalent in coastal regions.
Linguistically, 'tomar sol' demonstrates the semantic flexibility of the verb 'tomar'. By conceptualizing sunlight as a tangible, consumable entity, the phrase bridges the gap between biological necessity and recreational activity, reflecting the socio-cultural prioritization of outdoor leisure.
The collocation 'tomar sol' serves as a prime example of how lexical items in Portuguese encode cultural values regarding environmental engagement. It functions as a fixed expression that transcends simple literalism, embodying a specific socio-spatial practice common in Lusophone coastal societies, where the sun is treated as a restorative agent.

Meaning

To expose oneself to sunlight.

🌍

Cultural Background

Sunbathing is a national pastime, especially in Rio. Often referred to as 'apanhar sol' in the Algarve. Always use sunscreen!

💡

No Article

Remember: never use 'o' before 'sol' in this phrase.

💡

No Article

Remember: never use 'o' before 'sol' in this phrase.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Eu gosto de ______ na praia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tomar sol

The correct collocation is 'tomar sol'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Choose the correct answer Fill Blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Fill in the blank. Fill Blank A1

Eu gosto de ______ na praia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tomar sol

The correct collocation is 'tomar sol'.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it sounds unnatural. Keep it as 'tomar sol'.

Related Phrases

🔄

Pegar um bronze

synonym

To get a tan

Where to Use It

🏖️

Beach Day

Ana: Vamos tomar sol?

Beto: Com certeza!

informal
🩺

Doctor's Visit

Médico: O senhor precisa tomar sol diariamente.

Paciente: Entendido, doutor.

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'taking' the sun like a drink. You 'take' (tomar) the sun (sol) to feel warm.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself lying on a beach towel with the sun shining brightly, 'drinking' in the warmth.

Rhyme

Tomar sol, no lençol.

Story

Maria went to the beach. She laid her towel down. She wanted to 'tomar sol'. She felt very relaxed.

In Other Languages

Similar to 'taking the sun' in Spanish (tomar el sol).

Word Web

praiacalorverãobronzeadoprotetor solarareia

Challenge

Describe your last beach trip using 'tomar sol' in 3 sentences.

Review in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.

Pronunciation

Stress Stress on the final syllable of 'tomar'.

The 'r' at the end is often silent or a light tap in Brazil.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
É recomendável tomar sol moderadamente.

É recomendável tomar sol moderadamente. (Sun exposure)

Neutral
Eu gosto de tomar sol.

Eu gosto de tomar sol. (Sun exposure)

Informal
Bora tomar um sol?

Bora tomar um sol? (Sun exposure)

Slang
Vou torrar no sol!

Vou torrar no sol! (Sun exposure)

Derived from the Latin 'tomare' (to take) and 'sol' (sun).

19th Century:
Modern:

Fun Fact

In some dialects, people say 'tomar um sol' to imply a short, quick session.

Cultural Notes

Sunbathing is a national pastime, especially in Rio.

“Vou tomar sol em Ipanema.”

Often referred to as 'apanhar sol' in the Algarve.

“Vamos apanhar sol na praia.”

Always use sunscreen!

“Use protetor ao tomar sol.”

Conversation Starters

“

Você gosta de tomar sol?

Common Mistakes

✗

Eu tomo o sol.

✓

Eu tomo sol.

missing article
Do not use the definite article 'o' before 'sol' in this collocation.

L1 Interference

0 1

In Other Languages

Spanish Very Similar

Tomar el sol

Spanish uses 'el', Portuguese does not.

French moderate

Prendre le soleil

French uses 'le'.

German Different

Sich sonnen

Reflexive verb vs. 'take' verb.

Japanese Different

日光浴をする (Nikkōyoku o suru)

Uses a specific noun instead of a general verb.

Arabic moderate

أخذ حمام شمس (Akhdh hammam shams)

Includes the word 'bath'.

Spotted in the Real World

🎵

(1962)

“Olha que coisa mais linda...”

Describes the beach lifestyle.

Easily Confused

Tomar sol vs Fazer sol

Learners think it means 'to sunbathe'.

'Fazer sol' means 'the sun is shining' (weather).

Frequently Asked Questions (1)

No, it sounds unnatural. Keep it as 'tomar sol'.

grammar mechanics

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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