How to Say "hoist" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “hoist” is “levantar” — use 'levantar' when you mean to physically lift or raise something, especially something heavy, or to raise a part of your body like a hand..
levantar
/leh-vahn-tar//leβanˈtaɾ/
Examples
Los obreros tuvieron que levantar la viga de acero con una grúa.
The workers had to hoist the steel beam with a crane.
Por favor, levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.
Please, raise your hand if you have a question.
El niño no pudo levantar la pesada caja de juguetes.
The boy couldn't lift the heavy toy box.
Levantamos la bandera al amanecer.
We raised the flag at dawn.
Direct Object Needed
When used this way, 'levantar' needs a thing or person to receive the action: 'Levanto el libro' (I lift the book).
ascensor
ahs-sen-SORE/a.senˈsoɾ/
Examples
Por favor, espere a que el ascensor baje antes de entrar.
Please wait for the elevator to come down before entering.
El ascensor está averiado; tendremos que usar las escaleras.
The elevator is broken; we will have to use the stairs.
¿Dónde está el ascensor para subir al quinto piso?
Where is the lift to go up to the fifth floor?
Prefiero subir por el ascensor porque llevo mucho peso.
I prefer to go up by the elevator because I am carrying a lot of weight.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'ascensor' is always masculine, so you must use the masculine article 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el ascensor' or 'un ascensor'.
Confusing 'Ascensor' and 'Escalera'
Mistake: “Using 'ascensor' when you mean 'stairs.'”
Correction: The moving machine is 'el ascensor' (elevator). The fixed steps are 'la escalera' (stairs).
Verb vs. Noun Confusion
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