Spoken Description

Descubre las diferencias entre tomar y llevar en español: usos con bebidas, medicamentos y objetos, además de transporte, con ejemplos prácticos para evitar errores y saber cuándo usar cada verbo. Ver Traer-vs-Llevar en el sitemap.

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Discover the differences between tomar and llevar in Spanish: uses with drinks, medicine, and objects, plus transport, with practical examples to avoid mistakes and know when to use each verb. See Traer-vs-Llevar in the sitemap.

Spanish distinguishes different senses of "to take" with verbs like tomar and llevar, so choosing one or the other changes the meaning subtly. This guide explains when to use each with clear examples.

Tomar

Tomar generally means to take something for yourself, to grab or consume, or to catch a mode of transport. Use tomar when you are receiving or using something.

Spanish SentenceEnglish Translation
Voy a tomar un café.I'm going to have a coffee.
Tomé el autobús a las ocho.I took the bus at eight.
Puedes tomar asiento.You can take a seat.

Tomar generalmente significa coger o consumir algo para uno mismo, o abordar un medio de transporte. Usa tomar cuando estás recibiendo o usando algo.

Hoy voy a(to take) un café en la terraza.

Today I am going to take a coffee on the terrace.

I will take (consume) a coffee.

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Llevar

Llevar means to carry, bring, or take something from one place to another, often with an emphasis on movement or transport of an object or person. Use llevar when you move something away.

Spanish SentenceEnglish Translation
Llevo mis libros en la mochila.I carry my books in the backpack.
¿Puedes llevar esto a la cocina?Can you take this to the kitchen?
Ella llevó a los niños al parque.She took the kids to the park.

Llevar significa cargar, traer o trasladar algo de un lugar a otro, a menudo con énfasis en el movimiento o transporte de un objeto o persona. Usa llevar cuando mueves algo o a alguien desde un lugar hacia otro.

(to carry) las compras hasta el coche.

I carry the groceries to the car.

I carry the groceries to the car.

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Summary

Use tomar when you are receiving, consuming, or catching transport for yourself; use llevar when you carry or move something or someone from one place to another. Remember the difference by thinking tomar = "to take for oneself" and llevar = "to carry or bring."

Examples

Examples

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