lleven
/YEH-vehn/
carry
Use 'lleven' when referring to two or more people who carry objects.
lleven(verb)
carry
?transporting objects
,take
?moving something from one place to another
bring
?often interchangeable with 'carry'
📝 In Action
Espero que los niños lleven sus libros a clase mañana.
A2I hope the children carry their books to class tomorrow.
Señores, lleven sus pasaportes siempre con ustedes.
B1Sirs/Madams, please carry your passports with you always. (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Use (Hope/Wish)
'Lleven' is the form used when you express a wish, hope, or doubt about what 'they' or 'you (formal plural)' do, usually after words like 'quiero que' (I want that) or 'espero que' (I hope that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "Espero que ellos llevan la comida. (Using 'llevan', the regular present tense)"
Correction: Espero que ellos lleven la comida. ('Lleven' is needed because 'Espero que' triggers the special verb form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
Use 'Lleven' by itself when giving a formal, plural command (to 'ustedes'): 'Lleven esto al jefe.' (Take this to the boss.)
'Lleven' is used to talk about multiple people who wear clothing or accessories.
📝 In Action
Pido que todos los empleados lleven el uniforme azul.
A1I request that all employees wear the blue uniform.
¡No lleven esos zapatos a la fiesta, por favor!
A2Don't wear those shoes to the party, please! (Formal plural command)
💡 Grammar Points
Commands for Clothing
To tell a formal group ('ustedes') not to wear something, use the negative imperative: 'No lleven sombreros dentro.' (Don't wear hats inside.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Usage Note
In Spanish, 'llevar' is used for wearing clothes, while 'usar' (to use) is often preferred for things like tools or machines.
When transporting people, 'lleven' means to take them somewhere.
📝 In Action
Sugiero que lleven a la abuela al médico mañana.
B1I suggest that they take Grandma to the doctor tomorrow.
Lleven estos turistas al centro de la ciudad.
B1Take these tourists to the city center. (Formal plural command)
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive and Influence
When a sentence starts with a verb of influence (like 'sugiero que' or 'pido que'), the action performed by the other people ('they' or 'you plural') must use the special verb form, 'lleven'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lleven
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'lleven' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'lleven' different from 'llevan'?
'Llevan' is the regular present tense (they/you plural carry/take/wear). 'Lleven' is the special form (subjunctive) used when expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or giving formal commands. Think of 'llevan' as a fact, and 'lleven' as a possibility or a request.
Does 'lleven' always mean 'to carry'?
No. 'Lleven' (from 'llevar') is one of the most versatile words in Spanish. It can mean 'to carry,' 'to wear' (clothing), 'to take' (transportation), or even 'to manage' (a situation), depending on the context.