Inklingo

How to Say "was handling" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “was handling” is “llevaba” — use 'llevaba' when 'was handling' refers to managing or dealing with a situation, task, or responsibility over a period of time..

English → Spanish

llevaba

/yeh-VAH-bah//ʝeˈβaβa/

verbA2general
Use 'llevaba' when 'was handling' refers to managing or dealing with a situation, task, or responsibility over a period of time.
An adult holding a child's hand and guiding them along a path toward a small house.

Examples

Ella llevaba las finanzas de la empresa con mucha habilidad.

She was handling the company's finances with great skill.

Yo la llevaba a su casa después del trabajo todos los días.

I used to take her home after work every day.

Llevaba dos horas esperando cuando llegó el tren.

She had been waiting for two hours when the train arrived.

Él llevaba muy bien las finanzas del negocio familiar.

He was handling the finances of the family business very well.

'Llevar' for Time

When 'llevar' is followed by a duration (e.g., 'dos años'), it translates to 'had been.' It describes how long an action had been continuing up to a point in the past.

Using 'Ser' for Duration

Mistake: “Saying 'Era dos horas esperando' (Incorrect use of 'ser' for time duration).”

Correction: Use 'llevaba' to express 'had been' doing something: 'Llevaba dos horas esperando'.

trataba

trah-TAH-bah/tɾaˈtaβa/

verbA2general
Use 'trataba' when 'was handling' describes the way someone or something was treated or behaved towards.
A doctor wearing a white coat, gently applying a small bandage to a child's knee, symbolizing continuous care.

Examples

El maestro trataba a todos sus alumnos con paciencia.

The teacher was handling all his students with patience.

Mi jefe siempre me trataba con mucha amabilidad.

My boss always treated me with great kindness (used to treat).

Ella trataba la herida con cuidado para que no se infectara.

She was treating the wound carefully so it wouldn't get infected.

Identifying 'Trataba'

'Trataba' is the past descriptive form (imperfect tense) for 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she), or 'usted' (formal you). It describes actions that were ongoing or happened habitually in the past.

Imperfect vs. Preterite

Mistake: “Using 'trató' (he/she treated once) when describing a long-term habit.”

Correction: Use 'trataba' when describing a repetitive action or a continuous state in the past: 'Siempre me trataba bien' (He always treated me well).

Handling Situations vs. Handling People/Things

Learners often confuse 'llevaba' and 'trataba' by using 'trataba' for general management. Remember, 'llevaba' is for managing tasks or situations, while 'trataba' is specifically about the manner of treatment or behavior towards someone or something.

Related Translations

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