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llevar means to take / to carry / to wear — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 1, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

llevar

verb • /[yeh-VAR]/

to take / to carry / to wear

Example:

Siempre llevo una chaqueta por si hace frío.

I always bring a jacket in case it gets cold.

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🧠 What does llevar mean?

The Spanish verb "llevar" is a real workhorse! It can mean "to take," "to carry," or "to wear," but it also has several other meanings depending on the context. Think of it as a versatile verb that covers a lot of ground. It's used frequently in everyday conversations, so mastering it is essential for any Spanish learner.

📚 Extra examples

  • Voy a llevar a mi abuela al médico.
    I'm going to take my grandmother to the doctor.
  • Llevo mi libro de español a todas partes.
    I carry my Spanish book everywhere.
  • Ella lleva un vestido rojo.
    She is wearing a red dress.
  • ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas estudiando español?
    How long have you been studying Spanish?
  • El camarero lleva los platos a la mesa.
    The waiter is carrying the dishes to the table.
  • Llevo dos años viviendo en España.
    I've been living in Spain for two years.
  • Este restaurante lleva abierto desde 1920.
    This restaurant has been open since 1920.
  • Llevaron el coche al taller.
    They took the car to the mechanic.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to take / to carry / to wear' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to take,' 'to carry,' or 'to wear' in Spanish is "llevar." The specific meaning depends on the context.
How do you pronounce 'llevar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is roughly 'yeh-VAR,' with the 'll' sounding like a 'y' in English. The emphasis is on the second syllable (VAR).
How do you use 'llevar' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'Llevo mi libro.' (I carry my book.), 'Llevo un abrigo.' (I'm wearing a coat.), 'Te llevo al cine.' (I'll take you to the cinema.)
What is the English translation of 'llevar'?
It can be translated as 'to take,' 'to carry,' or 'to wear,' depending on the context. It can also mean 'to bring' or indicate duration, like 'I've been doing something for X amount of time.'
Does 'llevar' change for gender or number?
No, the verb conjugates based on the subject (who is doing the 'taking,' 'carrying,' or 'wearing'). For example: 'yo llevo,' 'tú llevas,' 'él/ella/usted lleva,' 'nosotros/as llevamos,' 'vosotros/as lleváis,' 'ellos/ellas/ustedes llevan.'
Is 'llevar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "llevar" is incredibly common! It's a core verb that you'll hear and use all the time in Spanish conversations.
Does 'llevar' have slang or double meanings?
While not exactly slang, the meaning of 'llevar' can shift slightly depending on the context. For example, it can mean 'to lead' a group or 'to manage' a business. It's not a double meaning, but a broader application of its core idea of 'carrying' or 'taking' responsibility for something.
Is 'llevar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Generally, the usage is the same across Spain and Latin America, though minor regional variations in meaning and expressions may exist. It's always good to pay attention to the context.
How do you conjugate 'llevar' in Spanish?
Present tense: Yo llevo Tú llevas Él/ella/usted lleva Nosotros/as llevamos Vosotros/as lleváis Ellos/ellas/ustedes llevan Check a comprehensive verb conjugation resource for other tenses.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "llevar"

Synonyms: traer, portar, vestir, usar
Opposites: dejar, traer

💡 Did You Know?

The verb "llevar" comes from the Latin word "levāre," which also means "to lift" or "to carry."

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