Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| llevar | /ʝeˈbaɾ/ |
| cargar | /kaɾˈɡaɾ/ |
| acarrear | /akareˈaɾ/ |
| carrear | /kareaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The Spanish language uses different verbs for 'carry' depending on whether you are emphasizing the movement of an object, the physical weight or the act of wearing something. Llevar is used for transporting something from one place to another or for wearing clothing and accessories. Cargar focuses on the physical effort of lifting or the weight of the object. Acarrear is used for heavy-duty hauling or transporting large quantities of materials, often in technical contexts. Llevar can also be translated as 'to take' when the focus is on moving an object to a specific destination.
Which one should you use?
Choose your verb based on the context of the action. Use llevar when the focus is on the movement or destination of an object (to take/to carry to a place) or when talking about wearing clothes. Use cargar when the focus is on the physical effort of lifting or the heavy weight of the object. Use acarrear for hauling large quantities of materials or heavy-duty transport. carrear is an archaic form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝeˈbaɾ/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, cargar can be used as slang to mean 'to kill' or 'to get rid of' someone, effectively 'carrying' them away.
- The verb llevar comes from the Latin verb levāre, which is also the root of the English word 'levitate', describing the act of lifting something up.
- The verb cargar is used in Spanish to describe the act of charging a battery, treating electricity as a weight or load being carried into a device.
Examples in context
- Se prohíbe llevar armas.It's forbidden to carry arms.This sentence shows how to express a prohibition regarding carrying arms using llevar.Tatoeba #2259003 by cueyayotl, translation #2259002 by _undertoad
- Déjame cargar tu maleta.Let me carry your bag.This sentence demonstrates using cargar to express the act of carrying a heavy object like a suitcase.Tatoeba #5409834 by Omnivoro, translation #5409502 by CK
- Le hice llevar la maleta.I made him carry the briefcase.This sentence shows the use of llevar in the context of making someone carry an object.Tatoeba #972973 by Shishir, translation #971799 by FeuDRenais
- Por favor, lleve este paquete al tercer piso.Please, carry this package to the third floor.
- El camión transportará la mercancía al almacén.The truck will carry the goods to the warehouse.
- El turista debe portar su pasaporte en todo momento.The tourist must carry their passport at all times.
- ¿Me llevas las bolsas?Can you carry the bags for me?
- Llevaremos la comida para el picnic.We will carry the food for the picnic.
- Necesito ayuda para cargar estos libros.I need help carrying these books.
- Mi amigo carga con muchas responsabilidades.My friend carries a lot of responsibilities.
- Llévate el paraguas por si llueve.Take the umbrella with you in case it rains.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are moving some items inside their house.
- Mateo¿Me ayudas a llevar estos muebles?Will you help me carry these pieces of furniture?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, yo puedo llevar la mesa.Yes, Mateo, I can carry the table.
- MateoGracias, María, tú eres muy amable.Thanks, María, you are very kind.
- MaríaNo hay problema, yo te ayudo.No problem, I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carry” translations and entries llevar, cargar, acarrear, carrear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acarrear, cargar, llevar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
