levantarse
/leh-bahn-TAHR-seh/
to get up
When referring to waking up, 'levantarse' means to get up (from bed).
levantarse(Verb)
to get up
?from bed
,to stand up
?from a chair or floor
to rise
?as in rising early
📝 In Action
Me levanto a las siete todos los días.
A1I get up at seven every day.
Por favor, levántate, la reunión va a empezar.
A2Please, stand up, the meeting is going to start.
¿A qué hora se levantan ustedes los fines de semana?
A1What time do you all get up on the weekends?
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Action
This verb is reflexive, meaning the action comes back to the person doing it (I lift myself). That's why we must use the little pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os) before the verb.
Stem Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (levantar → lievanta) for most subjects, but not for 'nosotros' or 'vosotros'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo levanto a las siete. (I lift something at seven.)"
Correction: Yo me levanto a las siete. (I get myself up at seven.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Non-Reflexive Form
The non-reflexive verb 'levantar' means 'to lift' or 'to raise' something else. Example: 'Yo levanto la caja' (I lift the box).
'Levantarse' can also mean 'to rise up' or 'to rebel.'
levantarse(Verb)
to rise up
?to rebel or protest
to break out
?a conflict or storm
📝 In Action
El pueblo se levantó en contra del gobierno opresor.
B1The people rose up against the oppressive government.
Se levantó una tormenta de arena en el desierto.
B2A sandstorm broke out in the desert.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used for groups or abstract things (like storms or rebellions), 'levantarse' describes a sudden, strong emergence or opposition.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This meaning is very common in historical texts or news reports when describing popular movements.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: levantarse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'levantarse' to describe a daily routine?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'levantar' and 'levantarse'?
The key is who is doing the action. 'Levantar' (non-reflexive) means to lift or raise *something else* (e.g., 'Levanto la mano' - I raise my hand). 'Levantarse' (reflexive) means to lift *yourself* (e.g., 'Me levanto' - I get up).
How do I conjugate the stem-changing part of 'levantarse'?
The 'e' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ie' in the present tense for all subjects except 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you all, informal Spain). Think of it like a boot shape on the conjugation chart.