Using Llevar Correctly: The rules.

Okay, here’s a comprehensive article on the Spanish verb “llevar,” covering its various meanings, nuances, and grammatical rules, totaling approximately 5000 words:

Using “Llevar” Correctly: A Comprehensive Guide to the Versatile Spanish Verb

“Llevar” is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in the Spanish language. While its basic translation often equates to “to carry” or “to take,” its actual meaning and usage extend far beyond these simple equivalents. Mastering “llevar” is crucial for achieving fluency and expressing yourself accurately in Spanish. This article provides a deep dive into the many facets of “llevar,” covering its various meanings, grammatical constructions, idiomatic expressions, and common pitfalls.

1. Core Meanings of “Llevar”

At its core, “llevar” encompasses the following primary meanings:

• To Carry (Physically): This is the most literal meaning, referring to the act of transporting something from one place to another using one’s body or a vehicle.

  • Ejemplo: “Llevo una mochila pesada.” (I’m carrying a heavy backpack.)
  • Ejemplo: “El camarero lleva los platos a la mesa.” (The waiter is carrying the plates to the table.)
  • Ejemplo: “El camión lleva mercancías a la ciudad.” (The truck carries goods to the city.)

• To Take (Someone or Something Somewhere): This meaning implies accompanying someone or transporting something to a specific destination. It often implies a sense of guidance or direction.

  • Ejemplo: “Te llevo al aeropuerto.” (I’ll take you to the airport.)
  • Ejemplo: “Llevé a mi perro al veterinario.” (I took my dog to the vet.)
  • Ejemplo: “Este autobús te lleva al centro.” (This bus takes you to the center.)

• To Wear (Clothing, Accessories): This is a very common usage, referring to the act of having something on one’s body as clothing or adornment.

  • Ejemplo: “Llevo un vestido rojo.” (I’m wearing a red dress.)
  • Ejemplo: “Siempre lleva gafas de sol.” (He/She always wears sunglasses.)
  • Ejemplo: “¿Qué llevas puesto?” (What are you wearing?)

• To Have (Something with You): This meaning signifies possession or having something in one’s immediate vicinity.

  • Ejemplo: “¿Llevas dinero?” (Do you have any money?)
  • Ejemplo: “No llevo mi teléfono.” (I don’t have my phone with me.)
  • Ejemplo: “Siempre llevo una botella de agua.” (I always have a bottle of water with me.)

• To Lead or Guide: “Llevar” can also refer to leading or guiding someone, either physically or metaphorically.

  • Ejemplo: “El guía nos llevó por el bosque.” (The guide led us through the forest.)
  • Ejemplo: “Su ambición lo llevó al éxito.” (His ambition led him to success.)

2. “Llevar” with Time Expressions

“Llevar” is frequently used with time expressions to indicate the duration of an action or state. This is one of the most important and potentially confusing aspects of the verb. The structure is:

Llevar + [Time Period] + [Present Participle (Gerundio) / Sin + Infinitive]

• Llevar + Time Period + Gerundio: This construction indicates that an action has been ongoing for a specified period and is still continuing at the time of speaking.

  • Ejemplo: “Llevo dos horas estudiando.” (I have been studying for two hours.) (And I’m still studying.)
  • Ejemplo: “Llevan tres días viajando.” (They have been traveling for three days.) (And they are still traveling.)
  • Ejemplo: “¿Cuánto tiempo llevas trabajando aquí?” (How long have you been working here?) (And you are still working here.)

• Llevar + Time Period + Sin + Infinitive: This construction indicates that an action has not occurred for a specified period.

  • Ejemplo: “Llevo tres meses sin fumar.” (I haven’t smoked for three months.)
  • Ejemplo: “Llevamos una semana sin verlos.” (We haven’t seen them for a week.)
  • Ejemplo: “Lleva años sin ir al médico.” (He/She hasn’t gone to the doctor in years.)

Important Note: The English translation often uses “have been” + present participle (for the gerundio construction) and “haven’t” + past participle (for the “sin” + infinitive construction). However, it’s crucial to understand that “llevar” in these cases is conjugated in the present tense in Spanish, even though the English translation uses a present perfect tense. This is a key difference between the two languages.

3. “Llevar” in Idiomatic Expressions

“Llevar” is a cornerstone of countless Spanish idiomatic expressions. Here are some of the most common and useful ones:

• Llevarse bien/mal (con alguien): To get along well/badly (with someone). This describes the quality of a relationship.

  • Ejemplo: “Me llevo muy bien con mis compañeros de trabajo.” (I get along very well with my coworkers.)
  • Ejemplo: “Se llevan mal desde que eran niños.” (They’ve gotten along badly since they were children.)

• Llevar a cabo: To carry out, to accomplish, to execute. This refers to completing a task or project.

  • Ejemplo: “El equipo llevó a cabo el proyecto con éxito.” (The team carried out the project successfully.)
  • Ejemplo: “Es importante llevar a cabo tus sueños.” (It’s important to carry out your dreams.)

• Llevar la contraria: To contradict, to disagree, to oppose.

  • Ejemplo: “Siempre me lleva la contraria.” (He/She always contradicts me.)
  • Ejemplo: “No le gusta que le lleven la contraria.” (He/She doesn’t like to be contradicted.)

• Llevar(se) un susto: To get a fright, to be startled.

  • Ejemplo: “Me llevé un susto cuando escuché el ruido.” (I got a fright when I heard the noise.)
  • Ejemplo: “Se llevó un buen susto al ver la araña.” (He/She got a good fright when he/she saw the spider.)

• Llevar la cuenta: To keep track, to keep count.

  • Ejemplo: “Lleva la cuenta de los gastos.” (He/She keeps track of the expenses.)
  • Ejemplo: “Es difícil llevar la cuenta de todos los invitados.” (It’s difficult to keep track of all the guests.)

• Llevarse (algo): To take (something) away, often implying theft or unauthorized removal.

  • Ejemplo: “Se llevaron mi cartera.” (They took my wallet.) (Implying it was stolen.)
  • Ejemplo: “Alguien se llevó mi libro.” (Someone took my book.) (Possibly without permission.)

• Llevar puesto: To have on, to be wearing (emphasizing the fact of wearing something).

  • Ejemplo: “Llevaba puesto un sombrero muy elegante.” (He/She was wearing a very elegant hat.)
  • Ejemplo: “¿Qué llevas puesto para la fiesta?” (What are you wearing to the party?)

• Llevar(se) una sorpresa: To get a surprise (can be positive or negative).

  • Ejemplo: “Me llevé una gran sorpresa cuando me dieron el regalo.” (I got a big surprise when they gave me the gift.)
  • Ejemplo: “Se llevó una sorpresa desagradable al ver la factura.” (He/She got an unpleasant surprise when he/she saw the bill.)

• Llevar + [gerundio] + time: This structure express a continuous situation.

  • Ejemplo: “Llevo esperando dos horas.” (I have been waiting for two hours.)

• Llevar una vida [adjective]: To lead a [adjective] life.

  • Ejemplo: “Lleva una vida tranquila.” (He/She leads a quiet life.)
  • Ejemplo: “Llevaban una vida de lujos.” (They led a life of luxury.)

• Llevar las de perder: To be in a losing position, to be likely to lose.

  • Ejemplo: “En esta negociación, llevamos las de perder.” (In this negotiation, we are in a losing position.)

• Llevar la voz cantante: To call the shots, to be the one in charge, to be the dominant voice.

  • Ejemplo: “En ese grupo, ella siempre lleva la voz cantante.” (In that group, she always calls the shots.)

• Llevarse como el perro y el gato: To fight like cats and dogs, to not get along at all.

  • Ejemplo: “Mis hermanos se llevan como el perro y el gato.” (My siblings fight like cats and dogs.)

• No llevar a ninguna parte: To lead nowhere, to be pointless.

  • Ejemplo: “Esta discusión no nos lleva a ninguna parte.” (This discussion is leading us nowhere.)

4. “Llevar” vs. “Traer”

One of the most common points of confusion for Spanish learners is the distinction between “llevar” and “traer.” Both verbs involve movement, but the direction of that movement is key.

• Llevar: Implies movement away from the speaker (and often the listener). It’s about taking something to another place. Think of “llevar” as “to take away.”

• Traer: Implies movement towards the speaker (or the location of the speaker). It’s about bringing something to the speaker or their location. Think of “traer” as “to bring.”

Examples:

• “¿Puedes llevar este libro a la biblioteca?” (Can you take this book to the library?) (Away from the speaker.)

• “¿Puedes traer el libro de la biblioteca?” (Can you bring the book from the library?) (Towards the speaker.)

• “Te llevo a casa.” (I’ll take you home.) (Away from the current location.)

• “¿Me traes un vaso de agua?” (Will you bring me a glass of water?) (Towards the speaker.)

• “Voy a llevar la pizza a la fiesta.” (I’m going to take the pizza to the party.) (Away from the current location.)

• “¿Puedes traer más pizza?” (Can you bring more pizza?) (Towards the speaker.)

The key is to consider the perspective of the speaker. Where is the object or person moving in relation to the speaker?

5. “Llevar” vs. “Tomar”

Another potential source of confusion is the difference between “llevar” and “tomar.” While both can sometimes be translated as “to take,” they are used in distinct contexts.

• Llevar: As discussed extensively, “llevar” focuses on carrying, transporting, or accompanying.

• Tomar: Has a wider range of meanings, including:

  • To take (transportation): “Tomar el autobús” (to take the bus), “Tomar un taxi” (to take a taxi). This refers to using a mode of transportation. Note that “llevar” could also be used in some of these contexts, but with a slightly different nuance. “Llevar el autobús” would imply driving the bus, while “tomar el autobús” implies being a passenger.
  • To take (food or drink): “Tomar un café” (to have a coffee), “Tomar una cerveza” (to have a beer). This refers to consuming something.
  • To take (a decision, a measurement, etc.): “Tomar una decisión” (to make a decision), “Tomar medidas” (to take measures/steps).
  • To take (an object, often quickly or without permission): This usage overlaps with “llevarse,” but “tomar” can be less forceful. “Tomó mi bolígrafo” (He/She took my pen).

Examples:

• “Voy a llevar a los niños al colegio.” (I’m going to take the children to school.) (Accompanying them.)

• “Voy a tomar el tren a Madrid.” (I’m going to take the train to Madrid.) (Using the train as transportation.)

• “Voy a llevar una botella de vino a la cena.” (I’m going to take a bottle of wine to the dinner.) (Bringing it as a gift.)

• “Voy a tomar una copa de vino.” (I’m going to have a glass of wine.) (Consuming it.)
• “Toma este dinero” (take this money)(in the sense of “here, have this”).
• “Llevate este dinero” (take this money with you).
  6. “Llevar” with Reflexive Pronouns (Llevarse)

As mentioned in the idiomatic expressions section, “llevar” can be used with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to create the verb “llevarse.” This often changes the meaning subtly:

• Llevar: To carry, to take, etc. (as discussed previously).

• Llevarse:

  • To take away (often with the implication of theft or unauthorized removal): “Se llevaron el coche.” (They took the car.)
  • To get along (with someone): “Me llevo bien con ella.” (I get along well with her.)
  • To take (something with you, often unintentionally): “Me llevé las llaves equivocadas.” (I took the wrong keys.)
  • To receive something(can be positive or negative)
    • Ejemplo: “Se llevó una gran alegría.” (He/She received great joy.)
    • Ejemplo: “Se llevó una buena reprimenda.” (He/She received a good scolding.)

The reflexive pronoun adds a sense of self to the action. In the case of getting along, it emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship. In the case of taking something away, it often implies that the action affects the subject in some way.

7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common mistakes that learners make with “llevar” and how to correct them:

• Incorrectly using “llevar” for duration: Saying “Llevo dos horas para estudiar” instead of “Llevo dos horas estudiando.” Remember the correct structure: “Llevar + time period + gerundio/sin + infinitive.”

• Confusing “llevar” and “traer”: Saying “Voy a traer este regalo a la fiesta” instead of “Voy a llevar este regalo a la fiesta.” Remember that “traer” implies movement towards the speaker, while “llevar” implies movement away.

• Confusing “llevar” and “tomar”: Saying “Voy a llevar el autobús” when you mean “Voy a tomar el autobús.” “Llevar el autobús” would mean you are the bus driver.

• Incorrectly translating “have been” + present participle: Saying “He estado llevando dos horas estudiando” instead of “Llevo dos horas estudiando.” Remember that “llevar” is conjugated in the present tense in this construction, even though the English translation uses the present perfect.

• Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when necessary: Saying “Llevo bien con ella” instead of “Me llevo bien con ella.” The reflexive pronoun is crucial for the meaning of “to get along.”

• Using “Para” incorrectly in duration. Remember that you use sin +infinitive and gerundio directly, without any preposition.

8. Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of “llevar,” try these practice exercises:

(A) Translate the following sentences into Spanish:

1. I’ve been living in this city for five years.
2. She’s wearing a blue shirt.
3. Can you take this package to the post office?
4. I haven’t seen him for a month.
5. They get along very well.
6. He carried out the plan successfully.
7. She always contradicts me.
8. I got a big surprise when I saw her.
9. He took my phone without asking.
10. Will you bring me a cup of coffee?
11. I always carry a pen with me.
12. How long have you been waiting?
13. They haven’t eaten for a day.
14. We get along like cats and dogs.
15. This path leads nowhere.
16. I’ll take you to the station.
17. She’s leading a very interesting life.
18. He took the wrong suitcase.
19. They stole my bike.
20. I have been learning Spanish for six months.

(B) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “llevar” or “llevarse”:

1. Yo ______ una hora esperando el autobús.
2. Ellos ______ muy mal. No se hablan.
3. ¿______ tú las llaves de casa?
4. Ella ______ puesto un vestido precioso.
5. Nosotros ______ tres días sin dormir.
6. ¿Cuánto tiempo ______ estudiando español?
7. Él ______ a cabo el proyecto sin ayuda.
8. Siempre me ______ la contraria.
9. Me ______ un gran susto al ver el accidente.
10. Alguien ______ mi paraguas.
11. Ellos ______ a los niños al parque todos los domingos.
12. Yo _ gafas.
13. ¿_____ tú dinero suficiente?
14. Ellos ____ la voz cantante en la empresa.
15. _____ mucho tiempo trabajando en este proyecto.

(C) Choose the correct verb (“llevar,” “traer,” or “tomar”) to complete each sentence:

1. Voy a ______ el coche al taller. (take)
2. ¿Puedes ______ me un vaso de agua, por favor? (bring)
3. Voy a ______ el tren a Barcelona. (take)
4. Ella ______ un abrigo porque hace frío. (is wearing)
5. ¿Me puedes ______ este libro a la biblioteca? (take)
6. Voy a ______ una pizza para la cena. (have)
7. Ellos ______ a sus hijos al colegio todos los días. (take)
8. ¿Quieres ______ un café? (have)
9. Él ______ la decisión de renunciar a su trabajo. (made)
10. Por favor, ______ estos documentos a la oficina. (take)

(D) Correct the errors in the following sentences:

1. Llevo tres horas para hacer este trabajo.
2. He estado llevando aquí por mucho tiempo.
3. Voy a traer este regalo a la fiesta.
4. Llevo bien con mis vecinos.
5. Voy a llevar el autobús a la escuela.
6. Llevo esperando para dos horas.

Answers to Practice Exercises:

(A) Translations:

1. Llevo cinco años viviendo en esta ciudad.
2. Lleva una camisa azul.
3. ¿Puedes llevar este paquete a la oficina de correos?
4. Llevo un mes sin verlo.
5. Se llevan muy bien.
6. Llevó a cabo el plan con éxito.
7. Siempre me lleva la contraria.
8. Me llevé una gran sorpresa cuando la vi.
9. Se llevó/Tomó mi teléfono sin preguntar.
10. ¿Me traes una taza de café?
11. Siempre llevo un bolígrafo conmigo.
12. ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas esperando?
13. Llevan un día sin comer.
14. Nos llevamos como el perro y el gato.
15. Este camino no lleva a ninguna parte.
16. Te llevo a la estación.
17. Lleva una vida muy interesante.
18. Se llevó la maleta equivocada.
19. Se llevaron mi bicicleta.
20. Llevo seis meses aprendiendo español.

(B) Fill in the blanks:

1. llevo
2. se llevan
3. Llevas
4. lleva
5. llevamos
6. llevas
7. llevó
8. lleva
9. llevé
10. se llevó
11. llevan
12. llevo
13. Llevas
14. llevan
15. Llevamos

(C) Choose the correct verb:

1. llevar
2. traer
3. tomar
4. lleva
5. llevar
6. tomar
7. llevan
8. tomar
9. tomó
10. lleva

(D) Correct the errors:

1. Llevo tres horas haciendo este trabajo.
2. Llevo mucho tiempo aquí.
3. Voy a llevar este regalo a la fiesta.
4. Me llevo bien con mis vecinos.
5. Voy a tomar el autobús a la escuela.
6. Llevo dos horas esperando.

9. Conclusion

“Llevar” is a multifaceted verb that requires careful attention to its various meanings, grammatical constructions, and idiomatic uses. By understanding the core concepts presented in this article, practicing regularly, and paying close attention to context, you can master “llevar” and significantly improve your fluency and accuracy in Spanish. Don’t be afraid to use it! The more you practice, the more natural it will become. Remember to focus on the direction of movement when distinguishing between “llevar” and “traer,” and be mindful of the present tense conjugation of “llevar” when expressing duration. With dedication and practice, you’ll be able to “llevar” your Spanish skills to the next level!