levantó
/leh-vahn-TOH/
lifted
Levantó (lifted) the heavy cube effortlessly.
levantó(verb)
lifted
?raised an object
,picked up
?something from the floor
raised
?a hand or flag
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo levantó la maleta sin ayuda.
A1My grandfather lifted the suitcase without help.
El presidente levantó la mano para saludar a la multitud.
A2The president raised his hand to greet the crowd.
💡 Grammar Points
Tense Identification
This form, 'levantó', tells you that the action happened once and was finished in the past. It is the simple past tense (Preterite) for 'he, she, formal you, or it'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Levantó vs. Se Levantó
Mistake: "Using 'levantó' when you mean 'He/She got up' (e.g., 'Él levantó a las siete')."
Correction: Use the reflexive form 'se levantó' when the person is doing the action to themselves (getting out of bed): 'Él se levantó a las siete.' ('Levantó' means he lifted something else.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Transitive Action
When you use 'levantó' without the 'se,' you must usually mention what was lifted or raised (the object).
Levantó (built) a sturdy new structure.
levantó(verb)
built
?a structure or monument
,erected
?a statue or building
founded
?a company or business
📝 In Action
El constructor levantó la casa en tiempo récord.
B1The builder erected the house in record time.
Ella levantó un negocio exitoso desde cero.
B2She founded a successful business from scratch.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
While physically lifting is the main meaning, 'levantó' often extends to abstract things like 'building' a reputation, a family, or an enterprise.
Levantó (stirred up) a cloud of dust while running.
levantó(verb)
stirred up
?dust, trouble, or emotion
,caused
?a disturbance or fuss
incited
?a riot or rebellion
📝 In Action
El comentario levantó mucha polémica en la prensa.
B2The comment stirred up a lot of controversy in the press.
La tormenta levantó olas de tres metros.
C1The storm caused three-meter waves.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Objects
In this sense, the objects of 'levantó' are often abstract concepts like 'polémica' (controversy) or 'sospechas' (suspicions).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: levantó
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'levantó' in the figurative sense of 'causing' or 'stirring up'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'levantó' and 'se levantó'?
'Levantó' means 'he/she/it lifted/raised something else' (e.g., 'Ella levantó la silla'). 'Se levantó' is the reflexive form and means 'he/she got up' (e.g., 'Él se levantó de la cama'). The 'se' indicates that the person performed the action on themselves.
Is 'levantó' a regular verb?
Yes, 'levantar' is a regular '-ar' verb. Once you know the pattern for one regular '-ar' verb, you know how to conjugate 'levantó' in all its tenses.