transportar
/tɾanspoɾˈtaɾ/
The English verb 'haul' can be translated into Spanish using several different terms depending on the context. The default form is transportar. Wiktionary also lists llevar and carrear.
Meaning: to carry or transport something heavy or difficult to move (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| transportar | /tɾanspoɾˈtaɾ/ /tɾaspoɾˈtaɾ/ |
| llevar | /ʝeˈbaɾ/ |
| carrear | /kareaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| acarrear | /akareˈaɾ/ |
These verbs are used to describe the act of carrying or transporting something heavy or difficult to move. Acarrear can also be used figuratively to mean that an action 'brings about' or 'entails' negative consequences or problems.
Which one should you use?
Transportar is a general term for transport. In contrast, acarrear specifically implies the physical act of hauling or carrying heavy loads, such as dirt, stones or goods. Llevar is the most common and versatile way to say 'to carry' or 'to take', but it lacks the specific connotation of heavy labor found in acarrear.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾanspoɾˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word carro inside acarrear traces back to the Proto-Celtic word for a wheeled vehicle, connecting Spanish to ancient Celtic technology.
- In some Spanish dialects, acarrear is used specifically for hauling water or soil in buckets, distinguishing it from transporting goods in a truck.
- The verb acarrear is built directly from the word carro, which means 'cart'.
Examples in context
- Hemos registrado una carga impresionante de mercancías este trimestre.We have recorded an impressive haul of goods this quarter.
- ¡Mira todo mi botín de compras del centro comercial!Look at all my shopping haul from the mall!
- La policía confiscó una carga de contrabando en el puerto.The police seized a haul of contraband at the port.
- ¡Qué buen botín de golosinas conseguiste en Halloween!What a great haul of candies you got on Halloween!
- Necesitamos transportar estas cajas pesadas.We need to transport these heavy boxes.
- El camión puede transportar mucha arena.The truck can transport a lot of sand.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in a garage looking at some heavy equipment.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿podemos transportar este equipo nosotros?Daniel, can we transport this equipment ourselves?
- DanielEs demasiado pesado para transportarlo sin ayuda.It is too heavy to transport without help.
- SofíaTienes razón, es muy difícil de mover.You are right, it is very difficult to move.
- DanielLlamaré a un amigo para que nos ayude.I will call a friend to help us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haul” translations and entries transportar, llevar, carrear, acarrear, 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, llevar, transportar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
