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A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

tomada

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tomada in 30 Seconds

Explanation tomada in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'tomada' as the physical object in the wall. You should be able to identify it and ask where it is. It is essential for survival in a foreign country where you need to charge your phone. You should learn it alongside other basic household objects like 'mesa' (table), 'cama' (bed), and 'luz' (light). Focus on the phrase 'Onde está a tomada?' (Where is the socket?). At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings like 'decision-making'; just focus on the electricity. You should also know that it is a feminine noun, so you use 'a' or 'uma'. Examples at this level are simple and direct, often involving verbs like 'estar' (to be) or 'ter' (to have). You might also learn 'ligar' (to plug in/turn on) as a related action. If you are in a hotel, this is one of the most important words to know to ensure your devices stay powered. Practice pointing at a socket and saying 'Isto é uma tomada'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tomada' in more complete sentences and understand its role in daily chores. You can describe where a socket is located (e.g., 'atrás do sofá' - behind the sofa) and express needs related to it. You start to encounter compound terms like 'tomada de terra' (grounding) if you are dealing with electronics. You also begin to see the word in the context of 'tomar' (to take), helping you see the connection between the verb and the noun. At A2, you should be able to handle a situation where a socket isn't working and explain it to a landlord or hotel staff: 'A tomada não funciona' (The socket doesn't work). You might also start to see 'tomada de decisão' in very simple business or social contexts, though the electrical meaning remains dominant. You should be comfortable using prepositions like 'na' and 'da' with the word.

By B1, you are expected to use 'tomada' in more complex scenarios, such as discussing home renovations or technical issues. You understand the difference between 'tomada' and 'ficha/plugue' clearly. You also begin to use the abstract meanings more frequently. Phrases like 'tomada de consciência' (becoming aware) start to appear in your reading and listening exercises. You can discuss the importance of 'tomada de decisão' in a team. In terms of grammar, you can use 'tomada' in different tenses and moods, such as 'Se houvesse uma tomada aqui, eu carregaria o computador' (If there were a socket here, I would charge the computer). You are also more aware of regional differences between Portugal and Brazil regarding electrical standards and vocabulary. You might use 'tomada' to describe a 'take' in a video you are making for a class or hobby.

At the B2 level, 'tomada' is used fluently in both its concrete and abstract forms. you can follow a news report about a 'tomada de posse' (inauguration) without needing a dictionary. You understand the nuances of 'tomada de posição' (taking a stand) in a debate. Your technical vocabulary expands to include different types of sockets and their specifications. You can explain the process of 'tomada de decisão' using sophisticated linking words and varied vocabulary. In a professional environment, you use the word to describe administrative actions or historical events. You are comfortable with the metaphorical use of 'tomada' in literature. You might also encounter 'tomada de ar' in technical manuals or automotive contexts. At this stage, the word is no longer just a 'socket'; it is a versatile tool for expressing the act of initiating, capturing, or deciding.

At C1, you have a deep, intuitive grasp of 'tomada'. You use it in idiomatic expressions and understand its subtle connotations in various registers. You can write an essay on 'A tomada de consciência social' (The awakening of social consciousness) with academic precision. You are familiar with historical references like 'A Tomada da Bastilha' (The Storming of the Bastille) and can discuss their significance. You can distinguish between 'tomada' and its synonyms (like 'investidura' or 'captura') based on the desired tone and context. In technical fields, you understand the physics behind a 'tomada de força' (power take-off). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the correct use of prepositions and collocations in high-level discourse. You can also appreciate wordplay or puns involving the multiple meanings of 'tomada'.

At the C2 level, you master the full semantic range of 'tomada'. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from electrical engineering to political science and film theory. You understand the etymological journey of the word and how its meaning has branched out over centuries. You can use 'tomada' in creative writing to evoke specific imagery or metaphors. In professional translation or interpretation, you can quickly choose the best English equivalent (socket, intake, shot, capture, decision, inauguration) based on the most subtle contextual clues. You are aware of archaic or rare uses of the word and can understand them in classical literature. 'Tomada' is a word you can manipulate with ease to achieve specific rhetorical effects in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tomada in 30 Seconds

Primary meaning: Electrical socket or outlet in a wall.
Secondary meaning: The act of taking, capturing, or deciding.
Gender: Feminine (a tomada / as tomadas).
Common phrase: 'Tomada de decisão' (Decision-making).

The Portuguese word tomada is a fundamental noun that every learner must master, primarily referring to an electrical socket or wall outlet. At its core, the word is derived from the past participle of the verb tomar (to take), suggesting a point where electricity is 'taken' from the grid. In a domestic setting, you will use this word daily, whether you are looking for a place to charge your smartphone, plug in a coffee machine, or set up a workstation. Understanding the physical object is just the beginning; the word also carries abstract meanings related to the act of taking, capturing, or assuming control. For instance, in political or organizational contexts, it appears in phrases like 'tomada de decisão' (decision-making) or 'tomada de posse' (taking office). This duality makes it a versatile term that bridges the gap between mundane household utility and high-level conceptual actions.

Electrical Context: The most common usage refers to the physical interface in a wall where electrical appliances are connected. In Portugal and Brazil, the physical standards differ, but the word remains the same.

Preciso de encontrar uma tomada para carregar o meu telemóvel porque a bateria está a acabar.

Beyond the physical, 'tomada' is used in engineering to describe an 'intake,' such as a 'tomada de ar' (air intake) in a car engine. This reflects the 'taking' aspect of the word's etymology. In history, it describes the 'capture' of a city, like the 'Tomada de Lisboa' (The Conquest of Lisbon). This breadth of meaning is why 'tomada' is categorized at the A2 level for its physical meaning, but its abstract uses extend well into C1 and C2 proficiency levels.

Abstract Usage: Used to describe the act of seizing, capturing, or the beginning of a process, especially in formal or historical narratives.

A tomada de decisão foi difícil para o conselho de administração.

In daily conversation, you'll hear it most often in airports, cafes, and hotels. It is one of those 'survival' words for the modern traveler. If you are in a library in Lisbon or a 'padaria' in São Paulo, looking for a place to plug in your laptop, 'tomada' is your go-to word. It is feminine (a tomada), and its plural is 'tomadas'. Because it is so common, it also features in various technical compound words like 'tomada de terra' (grounding/earth connection). Understanding the context is key: if someone is holding a vacuum cleaner, they mean the socket; if they are in a boardroom, they mean a decision or a takeover.

Using tomada correctly requires paying attention to prepositions and the specific type of electrical device involved. Usually, we use the preposition 'na' (in the) or 'da' (from the). For example, 'Ligue o cabo na tomada' (Plug the cable into the socket). Note that in Brazilian Portuguese, 'na' is preferred for 'into,' whereas in European Portuguese, you might hear 'à tomada' or 'na tomada' depending on the regional dialect.

Action Verbs: Common verbs used with tomada include: ligar (to connect/plug in), desligar (to unplug), procurar (to look for), and instalar (to install).

Por favor, não puxe o fio; retire a ficha da tomada com cuidado.

When discussing more advanced topics, 'tomada' functions as the head of several noun phrases. 'Tomada de consciência' (becoming aware) is a beautiful expression used to describe a moment of realization. 'Tomada de posição' refers to taking a stance on an issue. These uses are very common in journalism and academic writing.

Technical Phrases: Tomada trifásica (three-phase socket), tomada embutida (recessed socket), tomada de rede (network/ethernet port).

A tomada de posse do novo Presidente ocorrerá amanhã ao meio-dia.

In more colloquial settings, if a place is crowded with people charging phones, you might hear 'Todas as tomadas estão ocupadas' (All the sockets are taken). If you are building or renovating a house, you will discuss the 'instalação de tomadas' with your electrician. It is also important to distinguish between 'tomada' and 'interruptor' (switch). While they are often on the same wall plate, the 'tomada' provides power, and the 'interruptor' controls the light. Mastering these distinctions will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise. In summary, whether you are dealing with electricity, politics, or personal growth, the word 'tomada' is an essential building block in your Portuguese vocabulary.

The word tomada is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments. In a domestic setting, you'll hear it when someone is cleaning—'Onde posso ligar o aspirador? Há uma tomada aqui?' (Where can I plug in the vacuum? Is there a socket here?). In a modern office or coworking space, the quest for a 'tomada' is a constant ritual among workers with laptops. You will see signs in airports that say 'Posto de Carregamento' (Charging Station), but people will still ask, 'Onde tem uma tomada?'

In the Media: News broadcasts frequently use 'tomada de posse' when a new government is formed, or 'tomada de reféns' during a hostage situation (a more grim but necessary usage to know).

O hotel não tinha tomadas suficientes perto da cama, o que foi muito inconveniente.

In hardware stores (known as 'lojas de ferragens' in Portugal or 'lojas de material de construção' in Brazil), you will hear customers asking for specific types: 'tomada de sobrepor' (surface-mounted) or 'tomada de embutir' (flush-mounted). If you are listening to a podcast about psychology or philosophy, the term 'tomada de consciência' will appear frequently when discussing self-awareness or social awakening.

In Public Spaces: On trains or buses equipped with chargers, you might see stickers indicating 'Tomada 220V' or 'Tomada USB'.

Houve uma tomada de poder violenta naquele país há muitos anos.

You'll also encounter the word in cinema and photography. A 'tomada de vista' is a shot or a take. While 'take' is often used as a loanword in modern film sets, 'tomada' remains the formal Portuguese term for a continuous recorded sequence. Finally, in the kitchen, if something isn't working, the first question is usually 'Está ligado na tomada?' (Is it plugged into the socket?). This phrase is so common it's almost a cliché of tech support and troubleshooting. From the bedroom to the boardroom, 'tomada' is a word that powers both the physical world and the world of ideas.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing tomada (the socket) with the thing you plug into it, which is the ficha (Portugal) or plugue (Brazil). In English, we often use the word 'plug' loosely for both, but Portuguese is more specific. If you say 'A tomada está estragada,' you are saying the wall outlet is broken. If you mean the cord's end is broken, you should say 'A ficha está estragada.'

Gender Errors: Beginners often mistake the gender because it ends in 'a' but refers to a technical object. It is always 'a tomada' (feminine), never 'o tomado'.

Errado: O tomada está longe. Correto: A tomada está longe.

Another mistake involves the verb 'tomar'. Since 'tomada' is the noun form, learners sometimes try to use 'tomada' as a verb. Remember: 'Eu tomo café' (I drink/take coffee), but 'Eu uso a tomada' (I use the socket). Also, be careful with the abstract phrase 'tomada de decisão'. English speakers might say 'fazer uma decisão' (literal for 'make a decision'), but the correct Portuguese collocations are 'tomar uma decisão' (verb) or 'a tomada de decisão' (noun phrase).

Preposition Pitfalls: Using 'dentro da tomada' is technically correct but sounds weird. Use 'na tomada' (in the socket) for things that are plugged in.

Não coloque os dedos na tomada! É perigoso.

Lastly, don't confuse 'tomada' with 'tampa'. A 'tampa' is a lid or a cover. While sockets have covers, the 'tomada' refers to the whole unit or the holes themselves. If you are describing the action of taking something, like 'the taking of the city,' use 'a tomada da cidade,' but if you are just talking about 'taking a bus,' you use the verb 'tomar' or the noun 'apanha' (in Portugal). Precision with 'tomada' shows a high level of linguistic awareness, especially when moving between its concrete and abstract meanings.

While tomada is the standard word, there are several related terms depending on the context and the country. In the world of electricity, you might hear ponto de luz (light point) or ponto de energia in technical blueprints. However, for the average person, these are always just 'tomadas'.

Tomada vs. Ficha/Plugue: A 'tomada' is the female part (wall). A 'ficha' (PT) or 'plugue' (BR) is the male part (attached to the device).
Tomada vs. Interruptor: A 'tomada' provides power for appliances. An 'interruptor' is the switch used to turn lights on and off.

Preciso de uma extensão porque a tomada está muito longe da mesa.

In the abstract sense, alternatives for 'tomada' depend on the specific idiom. For 'tomada de decisão', you could simply say 'decisão' (decision). For 'tomada de posse', a synonym could be 'investidura' (inauguration/investiture), though 'tomada de posse' is far more common in political news. If you are talking about capturing a place, 'conquista' (conquest) or 'ocupação' (occupation) are strong alternatives.

Technical variations: Tomada de rede (Ethernet/Network), Tomada de telefone (Phone jack), Tomada de antena (Coaxial/TV socket).

Esta tomada de consciência mudou a minha perspetiva sobre a vida.

In film, while 'tomada' is a shot, you might also hear 'plano' (shot/angle) or 'sequência' (sequence). 'Plano' is more about the visual composition, while 'tomada' is more about the act of recording from 'action' to 'cut'. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most natural word for the situation. If you are in a shop and can't remember 'tomada', you can point and say 'onde liga a luz?' (where does the light connect?), but 'tomada' is so basic that it is worth memorizing immediately. It is a 'high-yield' word that appears in almost every physical environment and many intellectual ones.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The electrical sense only developed in the late 19th/early 20th century as electricity became common; before that, it only meant 'capture' or 'taking'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tuˈma.ðɐ/

US /toˈma.da/

The stress is on the second syllable: to-MA-da.

Rhymes With

amada estrada nada parada chegada olhada entrada gelada

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'tomato' in English.
Stressing the first syllable.
Over-nasalizing the 'm'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, follows standard rules.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct stress on the second syllable.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

tomar parede eletricidade casa coisa

Learn Next

interruptor ficha extensão carregador decisão

Advanced

investidura receptáculo confluência posicionamento consciencialização

Grammar to Know

Feminine noun agreement

A tomada está nova (not novo).

Preposition contraction (em + a = na)

Ligue o fio na tomada.

Preposition contraction (de + a = da)

Tire o carregador da tomada.

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'a'

Uma tomada -> Duas tomadas.

Noun phrases with 'de'

Tomada de posse (Taking of possession).

Examples by Level

Onde está a tomada?

Where is the socket?

Direct question using 'onde está'.

A tomada é aqui.

The socket is here.

Simple declarative sentence.

Eu preciso de uma tomada.

I need a socket.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

A tomada está na parede.

The socket is on the wall.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

Há uma tomada no quarto?

Is there a socket in the room?

Use of 'Há' for 'there is/are'.

A tomada é branca.

The socket is white.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

Não toque na tomada.

Don't touch the socket.

Imperative negative.

Uma tomada, duas tomadas.

One socket, two sockets.

Plural formation.

Ligue o computador na tomada.

Plug the computer into the socket.

Imperative 'ligue'.

A tomada está atrás da mesa.

The socket is behind the table.

Prepositional phrase 'atrás de'.

Esta tomada não funciona.

This socket doesn't work.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Quantas tomadas existem na sala?

How many sockets are there in the room?

Question with 'quantas' (feminine plural).

Preciso de um adaptador para esta tomada.

I need an adapter for this socket.

Noun 'adaptador' used in context.

A tomada está muito longe da cama.

The socket is too far from the bed.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective 'longe'.

O eletricista vai instalar a tomada.

The electrician is going to install the socket.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Retire a ficha da tomada, por favor.

Remove the plug from the socket, please.

Polite request.

Houve uma tomada de consciência coletiva.

There was a collective awakening/realization.

Abstract use of 'tomada'.

A tomada de decisão deve ser rápida.

The decision-making must be quick.

Compound noun phrase.

Verifique se a tomada tem ligação à terra.

Check if the socket has a ground connection.

Technical instruction.

A tomada da cidade foi um momento histórico.

The capture of the city was a historical moment.

Historical/Military context.

Ele comprou uma tomada inteligente para a casa.

He bought a smart plug/socket for the house.

Modern technology context.

A tomada de ar do carro está obstruída.

The car's air intake is blocked.

Mechanical context.

Fizemos várias tomadas para esta cena do filme.

We did several takes for this movie scene.

Cinematographic context.

A tomada de posição do governo foi clara.

The government's stance was clear.

Political context.

A tomada de posse do novo diretor será na segunda-feira.

The new director's inauguration will be on Monday.

Formal administrative term.

É necessária uma tomada de posição firme contra a injustiça.

A firm stance against injustice is necessary.

Abstract moral context.

A tomada de reféns durou mais de dez horas.

The hostage-taking lasted more than ten hours.

Serious news context.

O projeto prevê a instalação de tomadas trifásicas.

The project includes the installation of three-phase sockets.

Technical/Engineering context.

A tomada de poder ocorreu através de um golpe.

The seizure of power occurred through a coup.

Political history.

Houve uma tomada de consciência sobre os riscos ambientais.

There was a realization about environmental risks.

Societal context.

A tomada de vista aérea revelou a extensão do dano.

The aerial shot revealed the extent of the damage.

Photography/Surveying context.

O interruptor e a tomada estão integrados no mesmo painel.

The switch and the socket are integrated into the same panel.

Description of hardware.

A complexidade da tomada de decisão em sistemas biológicos é fascinante.

The complexity of decision-making in biological systems is fascinating.

Scientific/Academic register.

A tomada de posse foi marcada por protestos e controvérsia.

The inauguration was marked by protests and controversy.

Journalistic register.

A obra reflete uma profunda tomada de consciência existencial.

The work reflects a profound existential awakening.

Literary criticism.

A tomada de Constantinopla alterou o curso da história europeia.

The Fall of Constantinople altered the course of European history.

Historical narrative.

O protocolo exige uma tomada de posição oficial por escrito.

The protocol requires an official written stance.

Diplomatic/Legal register.

A eficiência da tomada de ar é crucial para o desempenho da turbina.

The efficiency of the air intake is crucial for turbine performance.

Engineering specification.

A tomada de partido em conflitos internacionais é sempre delicada.

Taking sides in international conflicts is always delicate.

Geopolitical idiom.

O realizador optou por uma tomada longa e sem cortes.

The director opted for a long, uncut take.

Advanced film terminology.

A fenomenologia da tomada de decisão transcende a mera lógica binária.

The phenomenology of decision-making transcends mere binary logic.

Philosophical discourse.

A sutil tomada de consciência do protagonista é o cerne da narrativa.

The protagonist's subtle awakening is the core of the narrative.

High-level literary analysis.

A tomada de posse do território foi legitimada por tratados internacionais.

The seizure of the territory was legitimized by international treaties.

International law context.

Houve uma tomada de posição unânime por parte dos intelectuais da época.

There was a unanimous stance taken by the intellectuals of the time.

Historical/Sociological analysis.

A engenharia aeroespacial exige precisão absoluta na tomada de pressão estática.

Aerospace engineering requires absolute precision in static pressure intake.

Highly technical specialized field.

A tomada de cena foi coreografada com precisão milimétrica.

The scene's take was choreographed with millimetric precision.

Artistic professional register.

A retórica da tomada de poder muitas vezes mascara intenções autoritárias.

The rhetoric of seizing power often masks authoritarian intentions.

Political theory.

A tomada de consciência da própria finitude é um tema recorrente na poesia.

The realization of one's own finiteness is a recurring theme in poetry.

Poetic/Metaphysical register.

Common Collocations

tomada de decisão

tomada de posse

tomada de terra

tomada de consciência

tomada de ar

ligar na tomada

tomada de reféns

tomada de posição

tomada de força

tomada de vista

Common Phrases

Está na tomada?

— Common question to check if a device is plugged in.

O computador não liga. Está na tomada?

Procurar uma tomada

— The act of searching for a place to charge a device.

Estou no aeroporto a procurar uma tomada.

Tomada universal

— A socket that accepts different types of international plugs.

O hotel tem tomadas universais.

Tomada dupla

— A wall outlet with two sockets.

Instalamos uma tomada dupla na cozinha.

Puxar da tomada

— To pull the plug out of the wall.

Não puxe o fio da tomada!

Trocar a tomada

— To replace the wall outlet hardware.

Vou trocar a tomada que está queimada.

Tomada embutida

— A socket that is flush with the wall.

Prefiro tomadas embutidas para um visual limpo.

Ficar sem tomada

— A situation where all sockets are occupied.

Cheguei tarde e fiquei sem tomada no café.

Tomada de telefone

— A telephone jack.

Onde fica a tomada de telefone?

Tomada de rede

— An ethernet port.

A tomada de rede está ao lado da secretária.

Often Confused With

tomada vs ficha

In Portugal, 'ficha' is the plug, 'tomada' is the socket. In Brazil, 'ficha' is a form or token.

tomada vs plugue

In Brazil, 'plugue' is the male end. Learners often use 'plugue' when they mean 'tomada'.

tomada vs interruptor

The light switch. They are often next to each other on the wall.

Idioms & Expressions

"tomada de consciência"

— A moment of sudden realization or moral awakening.

A viagem proporcionou-lhe uma tomada de consciência.

Literary/Philosophical

"tomada de partido"

— Choosing a side in a conflict or debate.

A sua tomada de partido foi surpreendente.

Politics/Social

"tomada de posição"

— Expressing a clear opinion or stance on a matter.

Precisamos de uma tomada de posição da gerência.

Formal/Business

"tomada de assalto"

— Taking something by storm or sudden attack.

O castelo foi alvo de uma tomada de assalto.

Historical/Military

"tomada de poder"

— The act of seizing control of a government or organization.

A tomada de poder foi pacífica.

Political

"tomada de decisão"

— The psychological or administrative process of choosing.

Ele é lento na tomada de decisão.

General

"tomada de posse"

— The formal ceremony of starting a high-level job.

A tomada de posse foi transmitida na TV.

Formal

"tomada de ar"

— Metaphorically, 'getting some air' (rare, mostly literal for engines).

A tomada de ar é vital para o sistema.

Technical

"tomada de vista"

— A specific perspective or photographic shot.

Aquela tomada de vista do vale é linda.

Artistic

"tomada de reféns"

— The criminal act of holding people against their will.

Houve uma tomada de reféns no banco.

Legal/News

Easily Confused

tomada vs tampinha

Sounds slightly similar and is also a small object.

A 'tampinha' is a small bottle cap. A 'tomada' is an electrical socket.

A tampinha da garrafa caiu.

tomada vs tomado

It is the past participle of 'tomar'.

'Tomada' is the noun; 'tomado' is the adjective/verb form (taken).

O café foi tomado por ele.

tomada vs saída

Literal translation of 'outlet'.

In Portuguese, 'saída' is an exit. 'Tomada' is the electrical outlet.

A saída de emergência está ali.

tomada vs entrada

Opposite of 'saída'.

'Entrada' is an entrance or input. While 'tomada' is an input for a plug, we don't call it 'entrada' for electricity.

A entrada do prédio é bonita.

tomada vs bocal

Another electrical part.

A 'bocal' is the socket specifically for a light bulb. 'Tomada' is for general plugs.

O bocal da lâmpada está partido.

Sentence Patterns

Onde está a [noun]?

Onde está a tomada?

Ligar o [object] na [noun].

Ligar o telemóvel na tomada.

A [noun] de [abstract noun] foi [adjective].

A tomada de decisão foi rápida.

É necessário [verb] a [noun] de [abstract noun].

É necessário incentivar a tomada de consciência.

A [noun] de posse do [title] ocorrerá em [date].

A tomada de posse do reitor ocorrerá em maio.

Houve uma [noun] de [noun] violenta.

Houve uma tomada de poder violenta.

A retórica da [noun] de [noun]...

A retórica da tomada de decisão política...

Sob a ótica da [noun] de [noun]...

Sob a ótica da tomada de consciência existencial...

Word Family

Nouns

tomada

tomador

tomamento

Verbs

tomar

retomar

Adjectives

tomado

ficha

eletricidade

corrente

fio

interruptor

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both daily life and formal news.

Common Mistakes

O tomada → A tomada
The word is feminine.
Eu fiz uma tomada de decisão → Eu tomei uma decisão / Houve uma tomada de decisão
Avoid using 'fazer' with 'tomada'.
Ligar no tomada → Ligar na tomada
Contraction of 'em' + 'a' is 'na'.
Usar 'tomada' para o plugue do cabo → Usar 'ficha' ou 'plugue'
Tomada is the wall part.
A tomada da ônibus → A apanha do autocarro / O pegar o ônibus
Don't use 'tomada' for catching transport.

Tips

Check the Voltage

In Brazil, voltage varies by city (110V or 220V). Always check before plugging into the 'tomada'.

Learn the Verb

Learn 'tomar' (to take) at the same time. It helps you remember why 'tomada' means 'intake' or 'seizure'.

Safety First

Never put metal objects in a 'tomada'. In Portuguese, we say 'Não coloque objetos metálicos na tomada'.

Article Usage

Always use 'a' with 'tomada'. 'A tomada está ali' is a perfect A1 sentence.

Cafe Etiquette

It is polite to ask 'Posso usar a tomada?' before plugging in your laptop in a small cafe.

Hardware Stores

If you need a new one, ask for a 'tomada de parede'.

Business Portuguese

Use 'tomada de decisão' in meetings to sound more professional than just using 'decidir'.

Root Word

Remember: Tomada = Something 'taken'. The energy is taken from the wall.

Label It

Put a sticky note that says 'A TOMADA' near your desk to memorize it.

News Reports

Listen for 'tomada de posse' during election season to hear the word in a formal context.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TOMato' being 'taken' and plugged into a wall to grow. TOMada = TO-Take + Mada (noun suffix).

Visual Association

Imagine a wall socket with hands 'taking' the energy from the wires.

Word Web

eletricidade parede carregador energia ligar decisão posse posicionamento

Challenge

Go around your room and count every 'tomada' you see, saying 'Uma tomada, duas tomadas...' out loud.

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese verb 'tomar', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'tumare' or potentially from a pre-Roman substrate.

Original meaning: The act of taking or seizing.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, though 'tomada de reféns' should be used with appropriate gravity.

English speakers use 'socket', 'outlet', or 'plug point'. In US English, 'outlet' is more common; in UK English, 'socket' is preferred.

A Tomada da Bastilha (The Storming of the Bastille - historical) Tomada de Posse Presidencial (Presidential Inauguration) Tomada de Decisão (A common title for management books)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

Ligar a TV na tomada
Onde está a tomada?
A tomada está solta
Preciso de mais tomadas

In the office

Tomada de rede
Onde posso ligar o laptop?
Esta tomada tem energia?
Tomada de decisão estratégica

Traveling

Adaptador de tomada
Tomada universal
O hotel tem poucas tomadas
Tomada no aeroporto

Politics

Tomada de posse
Tomada de poder
Tomada de posição política
Tomada de partido

History

A tomada do castelo
A tomada da cidade
Tomada de território
Tomada de assalto

Conversation Starters

"Você sabe onde tem uma tomada por aqui?"

"Qual é a sua opinião sobre a tomada de decisão do governo?"

"Você já teve problemas com tomadas diferentes em viagens?"

"A sua casa tem tomadas suficientes para todos os aparelhos?"

"Como foi a tomada de consciência dele sobre esse assunto?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você teve que fazer uma tomada de decisão difícil.

Imagine que você está num lugar sem nenhuma tomada. Como seria o seu dia?

Escreva sobre a importância da tomada de consciência ambiental hoje em dia.

Descreva a instalação elétrica ideal para o seu quarto dos sonhos.

Relate um evento histórico que envolveu a tomada de uma cidade famosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In European Portuguese, 'tomada' is the wall socket (female) and 'ficha' is the plug (male). In Brazil, 'tomada' is the socket and 'plugue' is the plug.

Yes, but only in the phrase 'tomada de decisão'. You cannot use 'tomada' alone to mean 'a decision'.

It is feminine: 'a tomada'. Example: 'Esta tomada está estragada'.

You can say: 'Com licença, há alguma tomada que eu possa usar?' (Excuse me, is there a socket I can use?)

It refers to the formal act of taking office or being inaugurated into a position of power.

Yes, it refers to a single continuous recorded performance, similar to a 'take' in English.

It is the grounding or earth connection in an electrical system, used for safety.

The word itself is the same, but the physical shape of the 'tomada' and the name for the 'plug' (ficha vs plugue) differ.

Yes, especially in historical contexts like 'a tomada de uma cidade' (the capture of a city).

It's an idiom meaning a realization or an awakening of awareness about something.