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.
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 Sentence | English 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.
Today I am going to take a coffee on the terrace.
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 Sentence | English 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.
I carry the groceries to the car.
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
Suggested Reading

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No Nonsense Spanish Workbook by Eric W. Vogt & My Daily Spanish

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Collins Easy Learning: Spanish Conversation by Collins Dictionaries

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Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish by Margarita Madrigal

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Easy Spanish Step-By-Step by Barbara Bregstein

Barron’s 501 Spanish Verbs by Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris

Complete Spanish Step-By-Step by Barbara Bregstein

Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar by Gilda Nissenberg
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