traes
/trah-es/
you bring
When referring to physical objects, 'traes' means 'you bring'. Here, the child brings the apples.
traes(Verb)
you bring
?physical objects
,you carry
?in transit
you take
?when the movement is toward the speaker
📝 In Action
¿Qué traes en esa caja tan pesada?
A1What are you bringing in that heavy box?
Si traes el postre, yo pongo las bebidas.
A2If you bring the dessert, I'll provide the drinks.
Siempre traes buenas ideas a la reunión.
A2You always bring good ideas to the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Tú vs. Usted
'Traes' is only used when talking to one person informally (tú). If you are speaking formally or to a group, you must use 'trae' (usted) or 'traen' (ustedes).
Irregular 'Yo' Form
Notice how the 'yo' form is irregular: 'yo traigo'. This 'g' sound carries over into the special forms used for wishes and commands (subjunctive: 'traiga', 'traigas', etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Traer and Llevar
Mistake: "¿Traes la maleta al aeropuerto? (meaning 'Take the suitcase to the airport')"
Correction: Use 'traer' when the direction is toward the speaker or the place of the conversation. Use 'llevar' when the direction is away from the speaker. Correction: ¿Llevas la maleta al aeropuerto? (Are you taking the suitcase away?)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'A casa'
In Spanish, 'traer' is often used when returning home with something: '¿Qué traes de la tienda?' (What are you bringing back from the store?)
'Traes' means 'you are wearing' when referring to clothing or accessories.
📝 In Action
¿Traes puesto tu abrigo nuevo?
A2Are you wearing your new coat?
¡Qué bonito anillo traes hoy!
B1What a beautiful ring you have on today!
💡 Grammar Points
Wearing Clothes
Although 'llevar puesto' is often taught, 'traer' is a very natural and common way to ask what someone is wearing or carrying on their person.
'Traes' can mean 'you cause' when referring to a problem or consequence.
traes(Verb)
you cause
?a problem or consequence
,you entail
?a result or implication
you result in
?consequences
📝 In Action
Esa decisión traes muchos problemas, ¿estás seguro?
B1That decision causes many problems, are you sure?
Si traes rumores a la oficina, la gente se molestará.
B2If you bring rumors into the office, people will get upset.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as 'bringing' a consequence into existence, like 'bringing' bad luck or 'bringing' trouble.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: traes
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following is the correct formal way to ask: 'Are you bringing the wine?'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'yo' form of 'traer' so irregular?
The 'yo' form ('traigo') is highly irregular because the verb stem changed from 'tra-' to include a 'g' sound to make it easier to pronounce when followed by the 'o' ending. This irregularity is common in many high-frequency Spanish verbs!
How do I know if I should use 'traes' or 'llevas'?
Think about the direction relative to you. Use 'traes' (you bring) if the item is coming toward you or the location you are talking about. Use 'llevas' (you take) if the item is moving away from you.