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How to Say "wears" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trae

tra-ehˈtɾa.e

VerbB1General
Use 'trae' when referring to having an item of clothing on your body, like a shirt or pants, that is common or everyday.
A person wearing a bright red striped scarf and smiling, illustrating the informal meaning of 'to wear'.

Examples

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-sehˈluse

VerbA2General
Use 'luce' when someone is wearing an outfit or item of clothing that looks particularly good on them or is meant to be shown off.
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.

porta

POR-tahˈpoɾta

VerbA2Formal/Official
Use 'porta' when someone is carrying a weapon, wearing a badge, or displaying a specific symbol or uniform, often in a formal or official capacity.
A child carrying a large, colorful gift box with both hands.

Examples

El guardia porta una insignia brillante.

The guard wears a shiny badge.

El niño siempre se porta bien cuando hay visitas.

The boy always behaves well when there are visitors.

El atleta porta la antorcha olímpica con orgullo.

The athlete carries the Olympic torch with pride.

Él porta un uniforme oficial en el trabajo.

He wears an official uniform at work.

The 'Behavior' Word

When talking about behavior, you must use the word 'se' before or after the verb (e.g., 'Él se porta bien'). Without 'se', it just means 'to carry'.

One Word, Many Helpers

You will see 'porta' as a prefix in many common items, like 'portavasos' (cup-holder) or 'portafolio' (briefcase), because it literally means 'it carries'.

Porta vs. Puerta

Mistake: “Me olvidé de cerrar la porta.”

Correction: Me olvidé de cerrar la puerta. (Use 'puerta' for a physical door; 'porta' is an action or a very specific nautical window).

Missing the conduct marker

Mistake: “Mi perro porta bien.”

Correction: Mi perro se porta bien. (Spanish requires the 'se' to indicate that the action is directed at the subject's own behavior).

Choosing between 'trae' and 'luce'

Learners often confuse 'trae' and 'luce.' 'Trae' is for simply having clothing on, while 'luce' implies the clothing looks good or is being presented stylishly. Don't use 'luce' for everyday items unless you're commenting on their appearance.

Related Translations

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