levanto pesas
/lebanto pesas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I lift weights" is expressed in Spanish as levanto pesas.
This phrase is used to describe the act of exercising by lifting heavy weights. If you want to refer specifically to dumbbells, you would use the word mancuernas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase levanto pesas is composed of the first-person singular present tense of levantar (to lift) and pesas (weights).
Which one should you use?
While levanto pesas is a standard way to express the activity, you can also use the verbal phrase hacer pesas as a very common alternative to mean "to do weights" or "to lift weights".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to hear the expression Hago pesas instead of Levanto pesas.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you say levanto pesas, you are making a general statement about the activity. If you add the definite article to say levanto las pesas, you change the meaning to a specific reference to certain weights (I lift the weights).
Did you know?
- The word pesa comes from the Latin 'pensum', which originally referred to a piece of wool weighed out for a weaver. This is the same root that gave English the word 'pension'.
- In Spanish, the verb levantar can also be used to mean 'to wake someone up' or 'to get someone out of bed'. Using it in a gym context is a literal application of 'lifting' a body from a resting position.
- The word mancuernas for dumbbells is derived from the Latin 'manus' meaning 'hand' and 'cum' meaning 'with'. It literally describes a tool used with the hands.
Examples in context
- Suelo hacer pesas en casa para mantenerme en forma.I usually do weights at home to stay in shape.
- Soy fanático del gimnasio y me encanta levantar pesas.I'm a gym fanatic, and I love lifting weights.
- Yo levanto pesas en el gimnasio.I lift weights at the gym.
- Levanto pesas para ganar músculo.I lift weights to gain muscle.
- Normalmente levanto pesas por la mañana.I normally lift weights in the morning.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about their fitness routines.
- Mateo¿Qué haces para mantenerte en forma?What do you do to stay in shape?
- SofíaYo levanto pesas tres veces por semana.I lift weights three times a week.
- Mateo¡Qué fuerte! Yo prefiero correr.How strong! I prefer running.
- SofíaCada uno tiene su propio entrenamiento.Each person has their own workout.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
