traer
/tɾaˈeɾ/
The Spanish verb for "bring" is traer.
traer is a common and versatile way to say "bring,"
Meaning: to transport toward somebody/somewhere (verb)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish traer from llevar. Use traer when the movement is toward the speaker, and use llevar when the movement is away from the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative of traer is irregular: traigo (I bring), and the first-person singular preterite (past tense) of traer is traje (I brought).
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaˈeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use llevar when they mean traer if they are thinking of the destination rather than the direction toward the speaker.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses traer in the idiomatic expression traer cola, which literally means 'to bring a tail' but actually means that a situation will have complicated long-term consequences.
- The verb traer is a direct relative of the English word 'tractor', as both come from the Latin 'trahō', meaning 'to pull or draw'.
- In some Latin American countries, people use traer to mean 'to have something on one's person' in the moment, similar to saying 'I brought my keys' when they are actually in their pocket.
Examples in context
- Mary traerá a Tom.Mary will bring Tom.This sentence shows the use of traer in the future tense.Tatoeba #4377575 by pchamorro, translation #2854036 by Amastan
- Lo traeré de vuelta.I'll bring it back.This sentence shows how to use traer to express bringing something back.Tatoeba #2667284 by teskmon, translation #2548800 by CK
- Yo traeré el almuerzo.I'll bring lunch.This sentence shows the use of traer to indicate bringing an object.Tatoeba #3029953 by emigonza, translation #29721 by CK
- Por favor, traiga los documentos a la oficina mañana.Please bring the documents to the office tomorrow.
- ¿Podría traerme un vaso de agua, por favor?Could you bring me a glass of water, please?
- Lleve este paquete a la sala de envíos, por favor.Please bring this package to the shipping room.
- ¿Puedes traerme un café, por favor?Can you bring me a coffee, please?
- Trae los libros cuando vengas a mi casa.Bring the books when you come to my house.
- Acércame el control remoto, por favor.Bring me the remote control, please.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are planning a dinner party.
- DanielMaría, ¿puedes traer el vino?María, can you bring the wine?
- MaríaSí, yo lo puedo traer.Yes, I can bring it.
- DanielGracias, yo voy a traer el postre.Thanks, I am going to bring the dessert.
- María¡Perfecto, nos vemos luego!Perfect, see you later!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bring” translations and entries traer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries traer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
