Using 'Llevar' for 'To Bring'

`Llevar` means to take something *away* from where you are, like taking a gift to a party. `Traer` means to bring something *to* where you are, like bringing a dish to your own home for dinner. Think: 'llevar leaves, traer comes here'.

Llevar vs. Traer: The Classic Mix-up

Always ask yourself: is the object moving toward the speaker or away from the speaker? If it's moving away or to a third location, `llevar` is your word.

Direction of Movement is Key

Extremely common. This is the first meaning you'll learn, used for moving things around.

Confusing 'Llevar' and 'Ponerse'

`Llevar` is perfect for describing what someone looks like right now. For example: 'La mujer que lleva el vestido verde es mi tía' (The woman wearing the green dress is my aunt).

Describing People

Just as common as 'to carry'. This is the standard way to talk about what you have on.

Using 'Haber' instead of 'Llevar'

To say how long you've been doing something, use this simple recipe: `llevar` (in the present) + [amount of time] + [verb ending in -ando/-iendo]. It's a great alternative to the present perfect continuous.

The 'Llevar + Time + Gerund' Formula

You don't always need a verb ending in -ando/-iendo. You can also talk about how long something has been in a certain state, like 'El coche lleva una semana en el taller' (The car has been in the shop for a week).

Also for States of Being

A very natural and common way to express how long an action has been happening.

When you add 'se' to `llevar`, the meaning often changes. For relationships, you use it with words like `bien` (well) or `mal` (badly) to describe how people interact.

The Magic of 'Llevarse'

For getting along, you must use the reflexive form `llevarse`. Saying 'Llevo bien con mi jefe' is incorrect; it must be 'Me llevo bien con mi jefe'.

Remember the 'se'

Essential for talking about relationships and how people get along.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'llevar'. Understand how to use it to say 'to carry', 'to wear', 'to take', and to talk about time. Includes full conjugations, examples, and common mistakes.

llevar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations