llevas
Wordform Details
Translation: you takeyou carry
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
second-personsingularpresentindicativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: to carry; to take; to wear; to bear; to lead
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Llevar comes from Latin 'levare' meaning 'to lift, raise, lighten'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'elevate', 'levitate', and 'lever'. The semantic shift from 'lifting' to 'carrying' occurred in Vulgar Latin. The connection to 'elevation' helps remember that llevar involves movement or transportation of something from one place to another.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Llevo las maletas al coche.
I'm carrying the suitcases to the car.
Ella lleva un vestido rojo.
She is wearing a red dress.
Te llevo a la estación.
I'll take you to the station.
Llevamos cinco años casados.
We have been married for five years.
El río lleva mucha agua.
The river carries a lot of water.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'levitate' (to lift) to remember llevar means to carry or lift something from one place to another.
- The 'll' in llevar can remind you of lifting with both hands.
- Llevar sounds a bit like 'heave-ar' - and to heave is to lift or carry something heavy.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Llevar is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in Spanish. Beyond its literal meanings of carrying or taking, it's used in many idiomatic expressions and has extended meanings related to time, relationships, and accomplishing tasks.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While llevar means 'to take' (movement away from the speaker), traer means 'to bring' (movement toward the speaker).
Notes: The directional distinction is crucial: llevar implies movement away from a point of reference, while traer implies movement toward it.
Mnemonic: Llevar starts with 'LL' for 'leaving' with something; traer starts with 'T' for 'toward' you.
Explanation: Llevar can mean 'to have been' (with time expressions), while tener simply means 'to have' (possession).
Confused word:
Tengo tres libros.
I have three books.
Notes: With time expressions, llevar emphasizes duration up to the present moment.
Mnemonic: Llevar with time is like carrying time with you; tener is holding onto objects.