A comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between tomar and llevar in Spanish, including usage, examples, and related vocabulary.
In Spanish, both tomar and llevar can mean "to take," but they are used in different contexts. Tomar often means to take something for oneself, like taking a drink or a bus, while llevar means to carry or take something from one place to another.
- Tomar = to take (something for oneself or start consuming)
- Llevar = to carry or take something/someone from one place to another
- Both can mean "to take," but the context determines which is correct
Usage of Tomar
Tomar is used when you take something for yourself, begin an action, or consume something. It can also mean to "take" in a more abstract sense, like taking a test or a break.
- Taking something for oneself (e.g., a drink, medicine)
- Starting or engaging in an action (e.g., tomar una clase)
- Using transportation (e.g., tomar el autobús)
- Taking a break or a photo
In which situation would you use 'tomar' instead of 'llevar'?
Taking a photo
'Tomar' is used when you take a photo, start an action, or consume something. 'Llevar' is used for carrying, transporting, or bringing things or people from one place to another.
Usage of Llevar
Llevar means to carry, bring, or take something or someone from one place to another. It implies movement and often involves transporting something away from the current location.
- Carrying or transporting objects or people
- Bringing something to another place
- Wearing clothing (llevar puesto)
- Taking someone along or delivering something
Examples: Tomar
Here are some common examples that illustrate how tomar is used in different contexts.
- Tomar un café
(To have/take a coffee)
- Tomar medicina
(To take medicine)
- Tomar el autobús
(To take the bus)
- Tomar una foto
(To take a photo)
Nosotros ___ el autobús.
How do you say 'We take the bus' in Spanish?
tomamos
You 'take' the bus in Spanish with 'tomar,' so it's 'tomamos el autobús.' 'Llevar el autobús' is incorrect because you don't carry or bring the bus.
Examples: Llevar
These examples show how llevar is used to indicate carrying or transporting something or someone.
- Llevar la mochila
(To carry the backpack)
- Llevar a los niños al colegio
(To take the children to school)
- Llevar una chaqueta
(To wear a jacket)
- Llevar un paquete a casa
(To take a package home)
Common Mistakes
Understanding the difference between tomar and llevar can help you avoid common errors.
- Llevo un café (I carry a coffee) — better if you mean "I'll have a coffee," say tomo un café.
- Tomo la mochila (I take the backpack) — if you mean "carry the backpack," say llevo la mochila.
- Llevo el autobús (I take/carry the bus) — the correct phrase is tomo el autobús.
- Tomo a los niños al colegio — the correct phrase is llevo a los niños al colegio.
Related Vocabulary
Here are some useful words related to tomar and llevar that often appear in similar contexts.
| Spanish | English | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| coger | to take/grab | Cojo el libro de la mesa. | I take the book from the table. |
| traer | to bring | Traigo una botella de agua. | I bring a bottle of water. |
| llevar | to carry/take | Llevo mi mochila al colegio. | I take my backpack to school. |
| tomar | to take/have | Tomo una siesta después de comer. | I take a nap after lunch. |
What does the Spanish verb 'tomar' mean?
to take/have
'Tomar' means to take or have something, often for oneself, or to start/engage in an activity.
Summary
- Tomar = take something for yourself, start an action, or consume
- Llevar = carry, bring, or transport something/someone from one place to another
- Context determines which verb to use — think about who is doing the action and where the object is going
- Practice with examples to build instinctive understanding
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
