Inklingo

How to Say "wears" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trae

/tra-eh//ˈtɾa.e/

VerbB1
Use 'trae' when you are simply stating that someone is currently having an item of clothing on their body, without commenting on their appearance.
A person wearing a bright red striped scarf and smiling, illustrating the informal meaning of 'to wear'.

Examples

Ella trae un sombrero elegante.

She is wearing an elegant hat.

Mira, Juan trae la misma camisa que yo.

Look, Juan is wearing the same shirt as me.

Ella siempre trae vestidos muy coloridos.

She always wears very colorful dresses.

luce

/loo-seh//ˈluse/

VerbA2
Use 'luce' when you want to emphasize how good someone looks in what they are wearing, highlighting their appearance or how well the clothing suits them.
A friendly character with a big smile wearing a new, brightly colored, stylish fedora hat, emphasizing their appearance.

Examples

Ella luce un vestido espectacular para la fiesta.

She looks spectacular in a dress for the party.

Usted luce más joven con ese corte de pelo.

You look younger with that haircut.

¡Luce tu nueva bicicleta por el parque!

Show off your new bicycle around the park! (This is the 'tú' command form.)

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'yo' form (I) of the verb lucir is irregular in the present tense, changing from 'c' to 'zc': yo luzco. This change is necessary to keep the 'z' sound before the 'o'.

Using 'Luce' as a Command

The form 'luce' can also be a friendly command (tú imperative), meaning 'show off' or 'display': ¡Luce tu talento! (Show off your talent!)

Confusing with 'Ver'

Mistake: “Using *luce* to mean 'sees' or 'watches.'”

Correction: *Luce* is about appearance ('looks good'), not perception. Use *ve* (from *ver*) for seeing.

Focus on Appearance vs. Simple Fact

Learners often confuse 'luce' and 'trae' by using 'luce' when they simply mean 'is wearing'. Remember, 'luce' implies a comment on how good someone looks, while 'trae' is a neutral statement of fact about what is being worn.

Related Translations

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