The Spanish verb levantar means “to lift” or “to raise,” but it becomes levantarse when you want to say “get up” (oneself). The reflexive pronoun se signals that the subject is doing the action to themselves.
- levantar = to lift or raise something/someone else
- levantarse = to get oneself up (out of bed, from a chair, etc.)
Levantar
- Use levantar when the subject is lifting or raising something or someone else.
- Common objects include la mano (hand), la caja (box), el libro (book).
- Can also mean to pick up (e.g., picking something up off the floor).
Levantarse
- Use levantarse when the subject is getting themselves up or out of a lying or sitting position.
- Often refers to getting up in the morning, from bed, or from a chair.
- Can also mean to stand up or rise in a general sense.
Usage Patterns
| Pronoun | Levantar (to lift/raise sth) | Levantarse (to get oneself up) |
|---|---|---|
| yo | levanto la caja | me levanto a las |
| tú | levantas la mano | te levantas tarde |
| él/ella | levanta el libro | se levanta del sofá |
| nosotros/as | levantamos los papeles | nos levantamos temprano |
| vosotros/as | levantáis la silla | os levantáis rápido |
| ellos/as | levantan a los niños | se levantan cansados |
Note:
- Levantar always takes a direct object (something or someone being lifted).
- Levantarse never takes a direct object; the reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject.
Examples
| Levantar | Levantarse |
|---|---|
| Levanto la caja pesada. | Me levanto a las seis de la mañana. |
| Ella levanta la mano para preguntar. | Ella se levanta del sofá. |
| Levantamos los libros de la mesa. | Nos levantamos temprano los domingos. |
| ¿Puedes levantar esta silla? | ¿A qué hora te levantas? |
| Levantan a los niños para ir a la escuela. | Los niños se levantan a las siete. |
Common Questions
Can levantararse be used?
No, levantararse is not a word in Spanish. The correct reflexive form is levantarse.
What about levantar vs incorporarse?
- incorporarse = to sit up or rise up, often used in medical or formal contexts.
- Use levantar/levantarse for general lifting and getting up.
- Use incorporarse when specifically referring to rising to a sitting position (e.g., in bed).
Can I use levantar alone to mean “get up”?
Not really. Levantar means to lift something else, so if you say Levanto a las siete, it sounds incomplete. You need the reflexive me levanto to say “I get up at seven.”
Summary
- Use levantar when lifting or raising something or someone else.
- Use levantarse when getting yourself up from lying or sitting.
This distinction helps you choose the right form in everyday situations.
Can levantar alone mean “get up” in Spanish?
No, you need the reflexive form levantarse to mean "get up."
"Levantar" alone means to lift something else. To say "I get up," you must use the reflexive form "me levanto." Saying "Levanto a las siete" is incorrect and incomplete.
She gets up from the sofa.
Ella se levanta del sofá.
"Levantarse" is used reflexively here because she is getting herself up. The preposition "del" indicates the place she is getting up from. "Levanta del sofá" without "se" is incorrect.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
