levantar
/leh-vahn-tar/
lift
When referring to the physical action of raising an object, levantar means to lift.
levantar(verb)
lift
?physical action of raising an object
,raise
?moving something higher
pick up
?an object from the ground
,hoist
?something heavy
📝 In Action
Por favor, levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.
A1Please, raise your hand if you have a question.
El niño no pudo levantar la pesada caja de juguetes.
A2The boy couldn't lift the heavy toy box.
Levantamos la bandera al amanecer.
B1We raised the flag at dawn.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Needed
When used this way, 'levantar' needs a thing or person to receive the action: 'Levanto el libro' (I lift the book).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Body Parts
It is often used to command movement of body parts, like 'Levanta la pierna' (Lift your leg).
We use levantar to mean to get up, such as rising from bed or a chair.
levantar(verb)
get up
?from bed or a chair
,stand up
?from a sitting position
wake up
?less common than 'despertarse', but used for getting out of bed
📝 In Action
Siempre me levanto a las seis de la mañana.
A1I always get up at six in the morning.
Cuando entró el jefe, todos se levantaron.
A2When the boss came in, everyone stood up.
¿Por qué no te has levantado todavía?
A2Why haven't you gotten up yet?
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you use 'levantarse,' the 'se' (or 'me, te, nos,' etc.) tells you that the person performing the action is also the one receiving it (you are lifting yourself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo levanto a las ocho. (I lift [something] at eight.)"
Correction: Yo me levanto a las ocho. (I get myself up at eight.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Waking vs. Getting Up
Use 'despertarse' for the act of becoming conscious, and 'levantarse' for the act of physically leaving the bed.
Levantar can mean to build a structure or monument.
levantar(verb)
build
?a structure or monument
,erect
?a barrier or monument
gather
?funds or data
,establish
?a business or settlement
📝 In Action
Los obreros levantaron el nuevo edificio en solo seis meses.
B1The workers built the new building in only six months.
El gobierno necesita levantar más fondos para el proyecto social.
B2The government needs to raise more funds for the social project.
El director decidió levantar la prohibición de usar móviles.
C1The director decided to lift (abolish) the ban on using cell phones.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of 'lifting' something physical to 'lifting' a structure, a sum of money, or a restriction.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Penalties
When used with words like 'multa' (fine) or 'castigo' (punishment), 'levantar' means to remove or abolish it.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: levantar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'levantar' in the reflexive form (levantarse)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'levantar' and 'levantarse'?
'Levantar' (without the 'se') means to lift an object: 'Levanto mi mochila' (I lift my backpack). 'Levantarse' (with the 'se') means to lift yourself, usually to stand up or get out of bed: 'Me levanto a las 7' (I get up at 7).
Is 'levantar' regular or irregular?
'Levantar' is a completely regular verb. You can use the standard '-ar' endings for all tenses, which makes it easy to learn!