llevaba
“llevaba” means “was carrying” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
was carrying, used to carry
Also: was taking along, was holding
📝 In Action
Ella siempre llevaba un paraguas en el bolso.
A1She always carried an umbrella in her bag.
Yo llevaba todas las cajas grandes a la camioneta.
A2I was carrying all the big boxes to the truck.
Cuando vivíamos allí, la gente llevaba sombreros tradicionales.
A2When we lived there, people used to wear traditional hats.
was wearing, used to wear
Also: had on
📝 In Action
Cuando la conocí, ella siempre llevaba gafas de sol.
A1When I met her, she always wore sunglasses.
Yo llevaba puesto mi uniforme viejo para trabajar en el jardín.
A2I was wearing my old uniform to work in the garden.
El director llevaba corbata azul esa mañana.
A1The director was wearing a blue tie that morning.
was taking, had been (doing something)
Also: was handling
📝 In Action
Yo la llevaba a su casa después del trabajo todos los días.
A2I used to take her home after work every day.
Llevaba dos horas esperando cuando llegó el tren.
B1She had been waiting for two hours when the train arrived.
Él llevaba muy bien las finanzas del negocio familiar.
B2He was handling the finances of the family business very well.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "llevaba" in Spanish:
had on→was carrying→was handling→was holding→was taking→was wearing→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: llevaba
Question 1 of 1
Which English sentence best uses 'llevaba' to describe a *past habit*?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the vulgar Latin *levare*, meaning 'to lift' or 'to raise.' Its meaning expanded over time to include carrying, transporting, and managing.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does 'llevaba' refer to?
'Llevaba' is used for the singular people: 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (formal you). Context tells you who is doing the action.
What's the difference between 'llevaba' and 'llevó'?
'Llevaba' (imperfect) means 'was carrying' or 'used to carry,' focusing on continuous action or past routines. 'Llevó' (preterite) means 'he/she/it carried' or 'took,' referring to a single action that was completed at one point in time.