llevarse algo
Lemma Details
Translation: to take something away; to steal something; to make off with something
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the reflexive verb 'llevarse' (to take away) from the verb 'llevar' (to carry, to take) with the indefinite pronoun 'algo' (something). 'Llevar' comes from Latin 'levare' meaning 'to lift, raise, lighten', which is related to English words like 'levitate' and 'elevator'. The reflexive form 'llevarse' adds the nuance of taking something away from its original location, often implying theft or unauthorized removal.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'llevar' as 'to levy' or 'to lift' something away from its place.
- Imagine someone 'leaving' with something that doesn't belong to them.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish to describe taking something away, whether legitimately or through theft. It can range from innocent actions like taking leftovers from a restaurant to describing theft in news reports.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Llevarse algo' implies taking something away from its location, often permanently, while 'llevar algo' simply means to carry or bring something without the implication of removal.
Confused word:
El niño lleva un libro a la escuela todos los días.
The child carries a book to school every day.
Notes: The reflexive pronoun 'se' changes the meaning significantly, adding the sense of removal or taking away.
Mnemonic: When you see 'se' with 'llevar', think of 'separation' - taking something away from where it belongs.
Explanation: While 'llevarse algo' means to take something away, 'llevarse bien' is an idiomatic expression meaning to get along well with someone.
This word:
El ladrón se llevó algo valioso de la casa.
The thief took something valuable from the house.
Confused word:
Juan y María se llevan bien desde que se conocieron.
Juan and María have gotten along well since they met.
Notes: Both use the reflexive form of 'llevar' but have completely different meanings based on what follows.
Mnemonic: With 'algo', you take a thing; with 'bien', you take good feelings.