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How to Say "lift" in Spanish

English → Spanish

levantar

/leh-vahn-tar//leβanˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'levantar' for the physical action of raising an object or a body part, like lifting a box or lifting your hand.
A strong person lifting a heavy barbell above their head, demonstrating physical strength.

Examples

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/

nounA1general
Use 'ascensor' specifically when referring to a mechanical device that transports people between floors of a building, i.e., an elevator.
A simple, colorful illustration showing an empty elevator car ascending inside a building shaft.

Examples

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).

levanten

/leh-BAHN-tehn//leˈβanten/

verbA2general
Use 'levanten' as the plural command form (ustedes) for the physical action of raising an object or body part, such as instructing multiple people to lift boxes or raise their hands.
A group of happy children raising their hands high in a classroom setting.

Examples

Por favor, levanten la mano si tienen una pregunta.

Please, raise your hand if you have a question.

Quiero que levanten sus juguetes antes de salir.

I want you all to pick up your toys before going out.

Espero que ellos levanten el muro pronto.

I hope they build the wall soon.

Two Roles for 'Levanten'

This word works as a direct command for a group ('Levanten las manos!') and also in sentences where you express a wish ('Espero que levanten las cajas').

Addressing Groups

Use 'levanten' when talking to two or more people. In Latin America, this is used for any group; in Spain, it's the polite/formal way to address a group.

Levantan vs. Levanten

Mistake: “Using 'levantan' for a command.”

Correction: Say '¡Levanten!' for a command. 'Levantan' (with an 'a') is just a statement of fact, like 'they are lifting right now.'

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

The most common mistake is using the verb 'levantar' (to lift) when you actually mean the noun 'ascensor' (elevator). Remember, 'levantar' is an action, while 'ascensor' is a thing.

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