llevar present tense

2 min read 01-03-2025

The Spanish verb llevar is a highly versatile verb meaning "to carry," "to wear," "to take," or "to have (for a duration)." Mastering its present tense conjugation is crucial for effective communication. This guide provides a detailed explanation, examples, and helpful tips to understand and use llevar effectively.

Understanding the Conjugations

The present tense of llevar is an irregular conjugation, meaning it doesn't follow the standard -ar, -er, or -ir verb patterns. Let's break down each pronoun conjugation:

Pronoun	Conjugation	English Translation	Example Sentence
Yo	llevo	I carry/wear/take/have	Yo llevo mi mochila a la escuela. (I carry my backpack to school.)
Tú	llevas	You (singular, informal) carry/wear/take/have	Tú llevas un sombrero elegante. (You wear an elegant hat.)
Él/Ella/Usted	lleva	He/She/You (formal) carries/wears/takes/has	Él lleva un traje. (He wears a suit.)
Nosotros	llevamos	We carry/wear/take/have	Nosotros llevamos mucha comida a la fiesta. (We take a lot of food to the party.)
Vosotros	lleváis	You (plural, informal) carry/wear/take/have	Vosotros lleváis ropa deportiva. (You wear sports clothes.)	(Used mainly in Spain)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	llevan	They/You (plural, formal) carry/wear/take/have	Ellos llevan sus maletas. (They carry their suitcases.)

Different Meanings of Llevar in the Present Tense

The meaning of llevar in the present tense depends heavily on context. Let's explore the nuances:

1. To Carry or Take:

Example: Yo llevo mi teléfono conmigo. (I carry my phone with me.)
Example: Ella lleva las compras al coche. (She takes the groceries to the car.)

2. To Wear:

Example: Él lleva una camisa azul. (He wears a blue shirt.)
Example: Ellas llevan vestidos largos. (They wear long dresses.)

3. To Have (for a duration):

This usage often implies a period of time.

Example: Llevamos tres meses aquí. (We have been here for three months.)
Example: Llevo esperando una hora. (I have been waiting for an hour.) This uses the present perfect continuous tense, but its structure is the same in the present tense.

Common Phrases with Llevar

Here are some common expressions using llevar in the present tense:

Llevar a cabo: To carry out (a plan, task). Estamos llevando a cabo un nuevo proyecto. (We are carrying out a new project.)
Llevarse bien/mal: To get along well/badly. Nos llevamos muy bien. (We get along very well.)
Llevar la cuenta: To keep track of something. Ella lleva la cuenta de las ganancias. (She keeps track of the profits.)

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master the present tense of llevar is through practice. Try creating your own sentences using different contexts and meanings. You can also find online exercises and interactive activities to reinforce your learning.

Conclusion

Understanding the present tense of llevar is a significant step in improving your Spanish fluency. Remember the irregular conjugations and practice applying them in different contexts to truly master this versatile verb. Keep practicing, and you’ll be using llevar confidently in no time!