Llevar vs. Traer
Both verbs move something from one place to another. The difference is the direction. If it is coming to where the speaker is, use traer. If it is going away from the speaker, use llevar.
Quick answer
- Traer = to bring (toward the speaker): Trae el libro.
- Llevar = to take (away from the speaker): Lleva el libro.
- Llevar also means to wear: Lleva un vestido rojo.
Traer: bring toward me or us
Use traer when the destination is where the speaker (or the listener) is. It is irregular in the first person: traigo. The preterite is traje, trajiste, trajo, trajimos, trajeron.
Examples
- ¿Me traes un vaso de agua?Can you bring me a glass of water?Toward the speaker.
- Mañana traigo mi computadora.Tomorrow I will bring my computer.To where we will be.
- Mis amigos trajeron pastel.My friends brought cake.Preterite.
Llevar: take away from here
Use llevar when the thing goes to another place. It also means to carry, to wear, and to spend a period of time.
Examples
- Llevo a mis hijos a la escuela.I take my children to school.Away from here.
- Voy a llevar este paquete al correo.I am going to take this package to the post office.Carrying away.
- Lleva un sombrero negro.He is wearing a black hat.Llevar = to wear.
- Llevo dos años en México.I have been in Mexico for two years.Llevar + time.
Same action, different point of view
The same action can use either verb, depending on where you are. If your friend is at the party and you are at home, you say Llevo el pastel. If you are at the party and your friend is at home, you ask ¿Traes el pastel?.
Examples
- ¿Qué llevo a la fiesta?What should I take to the party?You are not at the party yet.
- ¿Qué traes a la fiesta?What are you bringing to the party?The speaker is at the party.
Spanish around the world
- In some regions, people use llevar where English would say “bring,” especially in the future. Standard Spanish still marks the direction with traer and llevar.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Llevo a mi hijo aquí.
Correct: Traigo a mi hijo aquí.
The direction is toward the speaker.
Incorrect: Yo traigo un sombrero negro. (wearing)
Correct: Llevo un sombrero negro.
To wear is llevar.
Incorrect: Yo trajo pan.
Correct: Yo traje pan.
The yo form in the preterite is traje.
Incorrect: ¿Me llevas un vaso de agua?
Correct: ¿Me traes un vaso de agua?
To you from me: traer.
Remember the idea
- Traer: toward the speaker. Llevar: away from the speaker.
- Llevar also means to wear and to spend time.
- Traer: traigo (present), traje (preterite).
Mini practice
5 quick questions. You get feedback right after each answer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say ‘to take a person somewhere’?
Use llevar: Te llevo al aeropuerto.
How do I say ‘to bring a friend’?
Traer if the party is where you are: Trae a tu amigo.. Use llevar if you are going: Lleva a tu amigo.
Is traer irregular?
Yes. Traigo, traes, trae; preterite traje, trajiste.
How do I say ‘to take a class’?
Use tomar: Tomo una clase de español.
Ready to practice your Spanish?
Traer has an irregular preterite. Try a short, free practice session.
Keep learning
Ir vs. Venir
Go or come? Learn how to choose, including the surprise of “ya voy.”
A2Irregular Preterite in Spanish
Fui, tuve, hice, dije. The irregular past verbs you hear every day, grouped by pattern.
A1Spanish Present Tense: AR, ER and IR Verbs
Conjugate any regular verb in the present, then learn the stem changes and irregular yo forms you will meet next.