Inklingo

How to Say "lift" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lift” is “levantar” — use this when describing the physical act of raising something or someone, like lifting a box or raising your hand.

English → Spanish

levantar

leh-vahn-tarleβanˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use this when describing the physical act of raising something or someone, like lifting a box or raising 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-SOREa.senˈsoɾ

nounA1general
This is the most common word for 'elevator' in most Spanish-speaking countries, referring to the machine that moves between floors.
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).

elevador

eh-leh-bah-DOReleβaˈðor

nounA1general
This word is also used for 'elevator', particularly in some Latin American countries, functioning identically to 'ascensor'.
A modern elevator door opening in a clean building hallway.

Examples

El elevador está al final del pasillo.

The elevator is at the end of the hallway.

No use el elevador en caso de incendio.

Do not use the elevator in case of fire.

Este edificio es antiguo y no tiene un elevador moderno.

This building is old and doesn't have a modern lift.

Masculine Word

This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., el elevador).

Regional Choice

While 'elevador' is the standard word in Mexico and parts of Latin America, 'ascensor' is the preferred word in Spain.

The 'h' sound

Mistake: “Pronouncing it like 'elevator' with an English 'v'.”

Correction: In Spanish, the 'v' sounds exactly like a soft 'b'. Say /eh-leh-bah-DOR/.

alza

AHL-sahˈalθa

nounB2general
Use this to refer to a 'rise' or 'increase', such as in prices, or a physical insert to increase height, like in a shoe.
A colorful line on a graph moving sharply upwards against a clean background.

Examples

El alza de los precios de la gasolina preocupa a los conductores.

The rise in gas prices worries drivers.

Las acciones de la empresa están en alza esta semana.

The company's stocks are on the rise this week.

El zapatero le puso un alza en el zapato derecho para corregir su postura.

The shoemaker put a lift in his right shoe to correct his posture.

The 'El' vs 'La' Mystery

Even though 'alza' is a feminine word, we say 'el alza' instead of 'la alza'. This happens because the word starts with a stressed 'A' sound. Using 'el' prevents the two 'A' sounds from crashing together. However, if you make it plural, it goes back to normal: 'las alzas'.

Adjectives Still Stay Feminine

Even though we use 'el' before the word, any describing words (adjectives) must still be feminine. You would say 'el alza repentina' (the sudden rise), not 'el alza repentino'.

Using 'La' in Singular

Mistake: “La alza de precios es inevitable.”

Correction: El alza de precios es inevitable. Use 'el' for singular feminine words starting with a stressed 'A'.

levanten

leh-BAHN-tehnleˈβanten

verbA2general
This is the plural imperative or subjunctive form of 'levantar', used when telling multiple people to lift something.
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.'

Elevator vs. Verb 'to lift'

The most common confusion is using a noun like 'ascensor' or 'elevador' when you mean the verb 'levantar' (to lift). Remember, 'ascensor' and 'elevador' are for the machine that takes you between floors, while 'levantar' is the action of raising something.

Related Translations

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