llevar present tense

2 min read 13-02-2025

The Spanish verb "llevar" means "to carry," "to wear," "to take," or "to lead," depending on context. Its present tense conjugation can seem tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. This guide will break down the conjugation, provide examples, and offer tips to help you master it.

Understanding the Conjugations of "Llevar"

The present tense of "llevar" is irregular, meaning it doesn't follow the standard -ar, -er, or -ir conjugation patterns. Here's the complete conjugation:

Pronoun	Conjugation	English Translation	Example Sentence
Yo (I)	llevo	I carry/wear/take/lead	Yo llevo mi mochila a la escuela. (I carry my backpack to school.)
Tú (You - informal)	llevas	You carry/wear/take/lead	Tú llevas un sombrero elegante. (You wear an elegant hat.)
Él/Ella/Usted (He/She/You - formal)	lleva	He/She/You carry/wear/take/lead	Él lleva el perro al parque. (He takes the dog to the park.)
Nosotros/Nosotras (We)	llevamos	We carry/wear/take/lead	Llevamos mucha comida a la fiesta. (We take a lot of food to the party.)
Vosotros/Vosotras (You - informal, Spain)	lleváis	You (plural, informal) carry/wear/take/lead	Vosotros lleváis vuestras maletas. (You carry your suitcases.)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes (They/You - formal)	llevan	They/You carry/wear/take/lead	Ellos llevan sus instrumentos musicales. (They carry their musical instruments.)

Different Meanings of "Llevar" in the Present Tense

The versatility of "llevar" shines through in its various present tense applications:

1. To Carry or Transport:

Example: Ella lleva una bolsa pesada. (She carries a heavy bag.)

2. To Wear (Clothing):

Example: Él lleva una camisa azul. (He wears a blue shirt.)

3. To Take (Something to a Place):

Example: Llevo mi hijo a la escuela. (I take my son to school.)

4. To Lead or Guide:

Example: El guía lleva al grupo por la montaña. (The guide leads the group through the mountain.)

5. To Have (Duration):

This is a more idiomatic usage. It indicates how long something has lasted.

Example: Llevo viviendo aquí cinco años. (I have been living here for five years.)
Example: Llevo esperando una hora. (I have been waiting for an hour.)

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises

To solidify your understanding, try translating the following sentences into Spanish using the present tense of "llevar":

She wears a red dress.
We take our children to the park.
He carries a heavy suitcase.
I have been studying Spanish for two months.
They lead the parade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing "llevar" with other verbs: Don't confuse "llevar" with similar verbs like "traer" (to bring). "Llevar" implies taking something away, while "traer" implies bringing something towards.
Incorrect pronoun usage: Make sure you're using the correct pronoun with each conjugation.

Conclusion: Mastering "Llevar"

The present tense of "llevar" is a crucial part of mastering conversational Spanish. By understanding its various meanings and practicing its conjugations, you'll be able to express yourself more fluently and confidently. Remember to utilize the examples provided and create your own sentences to solidify your understanding. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)