Inklingo

How to Say "pick up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pick up” is “levantar” — use 'levantar' when you mean to physically lift or raise an object or a person from a lower position to a higher one..

English → Spanish

levantar

/leh-vahn-tar//leβanˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'levantar' when you mean to physically lift or raise an object or a person from a lower position to a higher one.
A strong person lifting a heavy barbell above their head, demonstrating physical strength.

Examples

Por favor, levanta la caja con cuidado.

Please, pick up the box carefully.

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).

responder

/rres-pon-der//res.ponˈdeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'responder' specifically when referring to answering the telephone.
A colorful illustration showing a child speaking while another child listens carefully, illustrating the act of answering.

Examples

El teléfono está sonando, ¿puedes responder?

The phone is ringing, can you pick up?

¿Puedes responder la pregunta del profesor?

Can you answer the teacher's question?

Ella respondió rápidamente a mi correo electrónico.

She replied quickly to my email.

Nadie responde el teléfono en la oficina.

Nobody is answering the phone at the office.

Using the Preposition 'A'

When answering a something (like a call or an email), Spanish often uses the preposition 'a': 'responder a la pregunta'.

Confusing 'Responder' and 'Preguntar'

Mistake: “Using 'Pregunto una respuesta' (I ask an answer).”

Correction: Use 'Doy una respuesta' (I give an answer) or just 'Respondo' (I answer).

Choosing between 'levantar' and 'responder'

Learners often confuse 'levantar' and 'responder' because 'pick up' has multiple meanings in English. Remember that 'levantar' is for physically lifting things, while 'responder' is almost exclusively used for answering the phone.

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