Inklingo

How to Say "to bring" in Spanish

English → Spanish

traer

trah-ertɾaˈeɾ

verbA1general
Use 'traer' when you are physically carrying or escorting something or someone towards the speaker's location.
A child wearing a blue shirt and red shorts is smiling while carrying a small woven basket holding a bright red apple, walking directly toward the viewer.

Examples

¿Puedes traer la comida de la cocina?

Can you bring the food from the kitchen?

Siempre traigo mi libro favorito conmigo.

I always carry my favorite book with me.

Mi tío nos trajo un regalo de su viaje.

My uncle brought us a gift from his trip.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'yo' form in the present tense is highly irregular: it is 'traigo,' not 'trao'. This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -aer, -eer, -uir.

Difference between Traer and Llevar

Use 'traer' when the movement is TOWARDS the place where you or the listener are (like 'come here with it'). Use 'llevar' when the movement is AWAY from you (like 'take it over there').

Confusing Preterite Forms

Mistake: “Yo traí por Yo traje”

Correction: The simple past (preterite) is 'traje' (I brought), which uses the irregular root 'traj-'. Remember this strong 'j' sound.

reportar

rreh-por-TARrepoɾˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'reportar' when an action, investment, or effort yields or produces positive results, such as profits or advantages.
A person picking a large, ripe fruit from a healthy green plant.

Examples

Esta inversión reportará grandes beneficios en el futuro.

This investment will yield great benefits in the future.

La nueva política reportó ventajas para los empleados.

The new policy brought advantages for the employees.

Formal Results

In this context, the thing being reported is a positive result or advantage created by an action.

entablar

en-tab-LARen.ta.'βlaɾ

verbC1formal
Use 'entablar' specifically when initiating a formal action, most commonly a legal process or a conversation.
A wooden gavel resting on a solid block next to a stack of papers.

Examples

El sindicato decidió entablar una demanda contra el gobierno.

The union decided to initiate a lawsuit against the government.

Han entablado acciones legales para recuperar el dinero.

They have brought legal action to recover the money.

Es el momento de entablar un juicio por daños y perjuicios.

It is time to initiate a trial for damages.

Legal Specificity

When used in law, this word specifically means setting the official wheels in motion. It's more precise than simply saying 'starting a case'.

Confusing Physical Movement with Results

The most common mistake is using 'traer' when the meaning is about achieving results or benefits. Remember, 'traer' is for physically moving something towards someone, while 'reportar' is about the outcome or consequence of an action.

Related Translations

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