Using 'llevar' vs. 'traer'

You can also use 'lleva' to tell a friend (the 'tú' form) to take or carry something. For example, 'Lleva esto a tu hermano' (Take this to your brother). It's the same word, just used as a command.

Giving Friendly Commands

A simple trick: 'Llevar' is about movement away from the speaker ('take there'). 'Traer' is about movement towards the speaker ('bring here').

Take vs. Bring

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

While you can sometimes use 'usar' for clothes, 'llevar' is often the more natural and common choice, especially in Spain. Think of it as the default verb for 'to wear'.

More Common than 'Usar'

Just as common as 'to carry'. You'll use this meaning constantly when talking about clothes or accessories.

This is a special pattern: 'llevar' + (a period of time) + (a verb ending in -ando/-iendo). It's the most common way to say how long an action has been going on.

The 'have been doing' Formula

Instead of a more complex tense, Spanish speakers often prefer this 'llevar' structure. Saying 'Lleva viviendo aquí un año' sounds more natural than other ways of expressing the same idea.

A Natural Alternative

A very common structure for talking about the duration of an activity.

This is your go-to verb when asking about what's in a dish at a restaurant. '¿Qué lleva la ensalada?' (What does the salad have in it?) is a very useful phrase.

Talking About Food

Common in specific contexts, especially when talking about food, recipes, or ingredients.

Learn the many meanings of the Spanish word 'lleva', from 'he carries' and 'she wears' to 'it contains' and 'has been'. Includes full conjugation of llevar, examples, and usage tips for learners.

lleva

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations