traerle
tra-AIR-leh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tengo que traerle las llaves a mi hermana.
A2I have to bring the keys to my sister.
Podemos traerle un café si usted quiere.
A2We can bring you a coffee if you (formal) want.
Al perro le gusta que le lancen la pelota para traerle.
B1The dog likes it when they throw the ball so he can bring it back.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'le' Attachment Rule
When using a verb in its base form (like 'traer'), you can stick the person who receives the action ('le' for him/her) right onto the end of the word to make it one single word.
Pronoun Movement
If you conjugate the verb (like 'yo traigo'), the 'le' usually has to jump to the front: 'le traigo'. It only stays on the end if the verb is a command, a gerund (-ing form), or the infinitive (the -er form).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Traer vs. Llevar
Mistake: "Using 'traerle' when you are moving away from the person."
Correction: Use 'traerle' for movement TOWARD the person you are talking about. Use 'llevarle' for movement AWAY from your current location.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal 'You'
Remember that 'le' also means 'you' (formal). Use 'traerle' when speaking to a boss or a stranger to show respect.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: traerle
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I need to bring him the book'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'traerle' mean 'to bring it'?
Not usually. 'Le' refers to a person (him, her, or you-formal). If you want to say 'to bring it,' you would use 'traerlo' or 'traerla'.
When does the 'le' move to the front?
The 'le' moves to the front in most normal sentences, like 'Le traigo' (I bring to him). It only stays at the end of the word 'traer' when the verb is in its infinitive form ('traerle'), its -ing form ('trayéndole'), or a positive command ('tráele').