llevarse
/lyeh-VAHR-seh/
to take (something) with you
Use "llevarse" when you mean 'to take something with you,' like taking a suitcase on a trip.
llevarse(Verb)
to take (something) with you
?physical movement and possession
,to walk off with
?implying theft or unauthorized taking
to carry away
?removing something from a place
,to take along
?accompanying someone/something
📝 In Action
Me voy al trabajo, ¿te llevo algo de la nevera?
A2I'm heading to work, should I take something for you from the fridge?
El niño se llevó todas las galletas antes de que llegáramos.
B1The child took all the cookies before we arrived.
Lamentablemente, alguien se llevó mi cartera del banco.
B2Unfortunately, someone walked off with my wallet at the bank.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Self-Action' Marker
The 'se' here means the person performing the action is also the one receiving the result—they take something for themselves or with them.
Direction Matters
Use 'llevarse' when the item moves AWAY from the speaker; use 'traer' when the item moves TOWARDS the speaker.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Llevar and Llevarse
Mistake: "Voy a llevar mi pasaporte. (I am going to carry my passport.)"
Correction: Voy a llevarme mi pasaporte. (I am going to take my passport with me.) 'Llevarse' emphasizes that you are removing the item from the current location.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Theft
When referring to stealing or unauthorized taking, 'llevarse' is often used instead of the stronger verb 'robar' (to rob/steal).
When referring to relationships, "llevarse" means 'to get along (with someone).'
llevarse(Verb)
to get along (with someone)
?having a relationship
,to be friends
?social relationships
to be on good terms
?professional or formal relationships
📝 In Action
Mi hermana y yo nos llevamos muy bien.
A2My sister and I get along very well.
¿Cómo te llevas con tu nuevo jefe?
B1How do you get along with your new boss?
Aunque tienen opiniones diferentes, se llevan con respeto.
B2Even though they have different opinions, they treat each other with respect.
💡 Grammar Points
Reciprocal Action
In this meaning, 'llevarse' is almost always used in the plural (nos llevamos, se llevan) because it describes an action that two or more people do to each other.
Adding Detail
To explain how people get along, use adverbs like 'bien' (well), 'mal' (poorly), or 'regular' (so-so) after the verb.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'se'
Mistake: "Mis padres llevan bien. (Incorrect)"
Correction: Mis padres *se* llevan bien. (Correct) The reciprocal pronoun 'se' is essential for this idiomatic meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Quick Question
If you want to quickly ask a friend how they are doing with a new roommate or colleague, use '¿Qué tal te llevas con...?' (How are you getting along with...?)
"Llevarse" can also mean 'to win' a prize or award.
llevarse(Verb)
to win
?a prize or award
,to be fashionable
?current trend or style
to take the prize
?competition
,to be in style
?clothing or trends
📝 In Action
El equipo local se llevó la copa después de un partido intenso.
B2The local team won the cup after an intense match.
Este año, los colores pastel se llevan mucho.
B2This year, pastel colors are very fashionable.
Si sigues practicando, te llevarás el premio gordo.
C1If you keep practicing, you will win the big prize.
💡 Grammar Points
Winning vs. Taking
When used with prizes ('premio', 'copa'), 'llevarse' means 'to win' or 'to secure' the object, emphasizing the final possession.
Fashion Trends
For trends, 'se lleva' (it is carried/worn) is the standard way to say something is currently popular or in style.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'llevar' for fashion
Mistake: "Los pantalones anchos llevan ahora. (Incorrect)"
Correction: Los pantalones anchos *se llevan* ahora. (Correct) Always use the reflexive form 'se llevan' when discussing current trends.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Language
Think of this meaning as 'taking the glory' or 'taking the trend' with you.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: llevarse
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'llevarse' is used in the sentence: 'Mis primos se llevan 10 años de diferencia'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'llevarse' different from the simple verb 'llevar'?
'Llevar' means simply 'to carry,' 'to wear,' or 'to take.' 'Llevarse' adds a layer of meaning: either the action comes back to the subject (you take something *for yourself*), or it creates a reciprocal action (you *get along* with someone), or it is part of a fixed idiom (like winning a prize).
Can 'llevarse' be used to talk about stealing?
Yes, absolutely. Saying 'Se llevaron mi móvil' (They took my phone) is a very common and slightly less harsh way to imply theft than using the verb 'robar' (to rob/steal).