Inklingo

How to Say "they wear" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llevan

/yeh-VAHN//ʝeˈβan/

verbA1general
Use 'llevan' when referring to the general act of wearing clothing or accessories as part of an outfit or uniform.
A pair of friends standing together. One figure is clearly wearing a vibrant red scarf, and the other is wearing bright yellow gloves.

Examples

En la escuela, todos los niños llevan uniforme azul.

At school, all the children wear blue uniforms.

¿Qué colores llevan ellos hoy?

What colors are they wearing today?

Mis vecinos llevan gafas de sol en interiores.

My neighbors wear sunglasses indoors.

Wearing vs. Dressing

In Spanish, 'llevar' is used to describe the items someone has on (They wear socks: 'Llevan calcetines'). 'Vestir' means the action of getting dressed or clothing someone.

Using 'Ponerse'

Mistake: “Dicen que se ponen abrigos.”

Correction: Dicen que llevan abrigos. ('Ponerse' means 'to put on,' 'llevar' means 'to wear.')

usan

OO-sahn/ˈu.san/

verbA2general
Use 'usan' when referring to the act of using or employing clothes, accessories, or makeup, often highlighting a choice or style.
A colorful storybook illustration of two happy people standing side-by-side, both wearing identical bright red scarves and colorful knitted winter hats.

Examples

Ellas usan faldas largas y sombreros en verano.

They wear long skirts and hats in the summer.

Los doctores usan uniformes blancos en el hospital.

The doctors wear white uniforms in the hospital.

Wearing vs. Using

In Spanish, the same verb 'usar' covers both concepts. Think of wearing a shirt as 'using' it on your body.

Overusing 'Vestir'

Mistake: “Saying 'Ellos visten un casco' (They dress a helmet).”

Correction: Use 'usan' for specific items like accessories, safety gear, or makeup: 'Ellos usan un casco' (They wear a helmet).

Llevan vs. Usan: The Core Difference

Learners often confuse 'llevan' and 'usan' because both mean 'they wear.' Remember that 'llevan' is more about the general act of wearing something as part of an outfit, while 'usan' implies a more active choice or use of an item.

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