What Does Tomar Mean in Portuguese? Take, Drink, or Have
Tomar changes with its object. Learn the verb in common phrases instead of memorizing one translation.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Tomar can mean to have or drink something, especially in everyday combinations such as tomar café (have coffee) or tomar água (drink water).
Use tomar for drinks and meals
The best English translation depends on the noun and context. Notice which drink or meal appears after the verb.
Vamos tomar um café depois do almoço?
Shall we have a coffee after lunch?
Ela toma chá todas as noites.
She drinks tea every night.
Quero tomar água antes de sair.
I want to drink some water before leaving.
Learn common routines with tomar
Tomar banho means to take a bath or shower. Tomar um descanso means to take a rest. These are useful fixed combinations that do not translate word for word from English.
Remember the whole phrase, including the article when there is one. That makes it easier to retrieve naturally in conversation.
Vou tomar banho e já volto.
I’m going to take a shower and I’ll be right back.
Depois da caminhada, quero tomar um banho.
After the walk, I want to take a shower.
Vamos tomar um descanso de dez minutos.
Let’s take a ten-minute break.
Use context to choose a translation
Tomar may also mean to take or capture in other settings. Rather than assigning one English word to the verb, learn the object and phrase together.
For ordering a coffee or a meal, our Brazilian café and restaurant guides give you more practice with real interactions.
Vou tomar um sorvete na praça.
I’m going to have an ice cream in the square.
Vamos tomar café da manhã às oito.
We’re going to have breakfast at eight.
Ele tomou um susto com o barulho.
The noise gave him a fright.
Put it into practice
Make three chunks with tomar: one drink, one daily routine, and one other common expression. Translate each from context.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “After the walk, I want to take a shower”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.