Inklingo

How to Say "carries" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trae

tra-ehˈtɾa.e

verbA1general
Use 'trae' when someone brings or fetches an object for someone else, or when they have something with them.
A child walking happily towards the viewer, carrying a small basket of fresh fruit, illustrating movement toward the speaker.

Examples

Mi papá siempre me trae un regalo de sus viajes.

My dad always brings me a gift from his trips.

¿Usted trae el vino para la cena?

Are you (formal) bringing the wine for dinner?

Ella no trae paraguas y está lloviendo.

She isn't carrying an umbrella and it's raining.

Who It's For: 'él', 'ella', 'usted', and 'tú'

'Trae' is used for 'he', 'she', and the formal 'you' (él, ella, usted). It's also the command form for the familiar 'you' (tú). For example, 'Ella trae flores' (She brings flowers) and '¡Trae el libro!' (Bring the book!).

Here or There? 'Traer' vs. 'Llevar'

This is a big one! Use 'traer' (and its forms like 'trae') for movement TOWARDS the speaker. Use 'llevar' for movement AWAY. Think 'bring it HERE' (traer) vs. 'take it THERE' (llevar).

Mixing up 'traer' and 'llevar'

Mistake: “If you are at home and ask a friend to bring pizza, you wouldn't say '¿Puedes llevar una pizza?'.”

Correction: Instead, say '¿Puedes traer una pizza?'. The pizza is coming TO YOU, so you need 'traer'.

porta

POR-tahˈpoɾta

verbA2general
Use 'porta' when referring to the physical act of holding, carrying, or transporting an object, or when describing how someone behaves (carries themselves).
A child carrying a large, colorful gift box with both hands.

Examples

El niño siempre se porta bien cuando hay visitas.

The boy always behaves well when there are visitors.

El atleta porta la antorcha olímpica con orgullo.

The athlete carries the Olympic torch with pride.

Él porta un uniforme oficial en el trabajo.

He wears an official uniform at work.

The 'Behavior' Word

When talking about behavior, you must use the word 'se' before or after the verb (e.g., 'Él se porta bien'). Without 'se', it just means 'to carry'.

One Word, Many Helpers

You will see 'porta' as a prefix in many common items, like 'portavasos' (cup-holder) or 'portafolio' (briefcase), because it literally means 'it carries'.

Porta vs. Puerta

Mistake: “Me olvidé de cerrar la porta.”

Correction: Me olvidé de cerrar la puerta. (Use 'puerta' for a physical door; 'porta' is an action or a very specific nautical window).

Missing the conduct marker

Mistake: “Mi perro porta bien.”

Correction: Mi perro se porta bien. (Spanish requires the 'se' to indicate that the action is directed at the subject's own behavior).

Bringing vs. Transporting

Learners often confuse 'trae' (brings/has with) with 'porta' (transports/holds). Remember that 'trae' implies movement towards someone or possession, while 'porta' focuses on the physical act of carrying or bearing something.

Related Translations

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