Inklingo

How to Say "they carry" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “they carry” is “llevan” — use 'llevan' when the carrying action is moving away from the speaker or the point of reference, implying transportation from one place to another..

English → Spanish

llevan

/yeh-VAHN//ʝeˈβan/

verbA1general
Use 'llevan' when the carrying action is moving away from the speaker or the point of reference, implying transportation from one place to another.
Two figures, a boy and a girl, carrying a large, heavy basket filled with colorful apples between them.

Examples

Ellos llevan las maletas pesadas al coche.

They carry the heavy suitcases to the car.

Ustedes siempre llevan sus propios vasos.

You all always carry your own cups.

Los mensajeros llevan paquetes por toda la ciudad.

The messengers carry packages all over the city.

A Regular AR Verb

'Llevar' is a totally regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for verbs that end in -ar. Once you know one 'ar' verb, you know them all!

traen

/tra-en//ˈtɾa.en/

verbA1general
Use 'traen' when the carrying action involves bringing something *to* the speaker or the point of reference, indicating arrival.
Two stylized storybook figures, a man and a woman, jointly carrying a large woven basket overflowing with colorful fruit, walking along a simple path.

Examples

Ellos traen los regalos a la fiesta.

They are bringing the gifts to the party.

¿Qué traen ustedes de nuevo?

What are you (all) bringing that's new?

Los meseros traen la cuenta inmediatamente.

The waiters bring the check immediately.

Traer vs. Llevar

Use 'traer' when the movement is towards the speaker (like 'come here with it'). Use 'llevar' when the movement is away from the speaker (like 'take it there').

Irregular 'Yo' Form

Mistake: “The base form is 'traer', but the 'yo' form is not 'trao'.”

Correction: Remember the 'g' is added in the 'yo' form: 'yo traigo'.

Direction is Key

The most common mistake is confusing 'llevan' (carrying away) with 'traen' (bringing here). Always consider if the items are moving toward you or away from you when choosing between these two verbs.

Related Translations

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