relevar
“relevar” means “to relieve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to relieve
Also: to take over from
📝 In Action
Mi compañero me va a relevar a las ocho para que yo pueda cenar.
B1My coworker is going to relieve me at eight so that I can have dinner.
El soldado relevó a su compañero en la puerta de la base.
B2The soldier relieved his comrade at the base gate.
Es agotador conducir tantas horas; ¿me relevas un rato?
B1Driving for so many hours is exhausting; will you take over for a bit?
to exempt
Also: to release
📝 In Action
El juez lo relevó de su promesa de confidencialidad.
C1The judge released him from his promise of confidentiality.
Quedas relevado de toda responsabilidad en este asunto.
C1You are exempt from all responsibility in this matter.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: relevar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly means 'I will take over your shift'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'relevare,' which means to 'raise up again' or 'lighten a burden.' It's like taking a load off someone else's shoulders.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'relevar' related to 'relevante' (relevant)?
Yes! They both come from the same Latin root. 'Relevante' originally described something that 'stood out' or was 'raised up' from other things, making it important.
Can I use 'relevar' for 'revealing a secret'?
No, that's a common trap! To reveal a secret, use 'revelar' (with a 'v'). 'Relevar' (with a 'b' sound from the 'v') is for replacing people or freeing them from duties.
Is this verb common in sports?
Absolutely. It's used in relay races (carreras de relevos) and when one player replaces another on the field.