Inklingo

lleves

/yeh-vehs/

you carry

A young man smiling while carrying a large, heavy backpack and a rolled sleeping bag on a hiking trail.

This image shows the meaning 'you carry' a heavy load.

lleves(verb)

A1regular ar

you carry

?

Used in wishes or requests: 'I want you to carry'

,

you take

?

Used in doubts or suggestions: 'It's possible that you take'

Also:

you bring

?

Movement away from the speaker

📝 In Action

Quiero que lleves este paquete a la oficina de correos.

A2

I want you to take this package to the post office.

Espero que no lleves mucho equipaje, será difícil caminar.

B1

I hope you don't carry much luggage; it will be difficult to walk.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • transportar (to transport)
  • acarrear (to haul)

Common Collocations

  • llevar la cuentato keep the tally/count
  • llevar a caboto carry out/execute

💡 Grammar Points

The Subjunctive Trigger

'Lleves' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when the main part of the sentence expresses desire, emotion, doubt, or necessity toward the action being carried out by 'tú' (you).

Negative Command (Tú)

'Lleves' is also the form used for telling someone not to do something: '¡No lleves eso!' (Don't take that!).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Mistake: "Using 'Quiero que llevas el libro' (using the indicative 'llevas')."

Correction: You must use the subjunctive: 'Quiero que lleves el libro.' The verb 'querer' (to want) requires the special verb form in the second part of the sentence.

⭐ Usage Tips

Movement Rule

Use llevar (and thus 'lleves') when the object is moving AWAY from the speaker (like 'take' or 'bring'). Use traer when the object is moving TOWARDS the speaker.

A child happily wearing a bright yellow raincoat and matching rain boots while jumping in a puddle.

This image shows the meaning 'you wear' (clothing).

lleves(verb)

A1regular ar

you wear

?

Clothing or accessories

📝 In Action

Te recomiendo que lleves un abrigo, hace mucho frío afuera.

A2

I recommend that you wear a coat; it's very cold outside.

Dudo que lleves el uniforme hoy, es día libre.

B1

I doubt that you are wearing the uniform today; it's a day off.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vestir (to dress)
  • ponerse (to put on)

💡 Grammar Points

Subjunctive for Advice

When giving strong advice or recommendations to 'tú' (you), especially after phrases like 'recomendar que...' (to recommend that...), you must use 'lleves' (the subjunctive form).

An adult hiker standing on a well-defined mountain path, looking back and gesturing forward, leading a group of three younger hikers who are following behind.

This image illustrates the meaning 'you lead' or guide.

lleves(verb)

B2regular ar

you lead

?

Managing a life or business

,

you handle

?

Managing a situation or relationship

📝 In Action

Me alegra que lleves una vida tan saludable.

B2

I'm happy that you lead such a healthy life.

Es crucial que lleves el negocio con mucha honestidad.

C1

It is crucial that you manage the business with great honesty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dirigir (to direct)
  • gestionar (to manage)

Idioms & Expressions

  • llevar la batutato call the shots/be in charge

💡 Grammar Points

Emotion Trigger

Phrases expressing emotion (like 'Me alegra que...' or 'Siento que...') always require the subjunctive form ('lleves') for the action that follows.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedlleva
yollevo
llevas
ellos/ellas/ustedesllevan
nosotrosllevamos
vosotroslleváis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedllevaba
yollevaba
llevabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesllevaban
nosotrosllevábamos
vosotrosllevabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedllevó
yollevé
llevaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesllevaron
nosotrosllevamos
vosotrosllevasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedlleve
yolleve
lleves
ellos/ellas/ustedeslleven
nosotrosllevemos
vosotrosllevéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedllevara / llevase
yollevara / llevase
llevaras / llevases
ellos/ellas/ustedesllevaran / llevasen
nosotroslleváramos / llevásemos
vosotrosllevarais / llevaseis

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: lleves

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'lleves'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'lleves' only used for carrying physical things?

No. While its basic meaning is 'to carry' or 'to wear,' it is also used figuratively, such as in 'llevar una vida' (to lead a life) or 'llevarse bien' (to get along with someone).

Why can't I just say 'llevas' instead of 'lleves'?

You use 'llevas' when stating a fact ('Tú llevas el coche' - You drive the car). You must use 'lleves' when talking about wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessities, because these expressions require the special verb form called the subjunctive.