levantar
/lebanˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'put up' can be translated into Spanish as levantar.
The verb levantar is used in the sense of 'putting up' when referring to raising or mounting something, such as a structure or a flag. The verb 'levantar' literally means 'to lift' or 'to raise'.
Meaning: to hang or mount (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a regular -ar verb, it is conjugated in the present tense as levanto (I put up/lift).
How do you pronounce it?
/lebanˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, levantar is used colloquially to mean 'to pick up' or 'to flirt with' someone in a social setting.
- The root of levantar is shared with the English word 'levity', which describes a lightness of mood or a lack of seriousness.
- In a legal or official context, levantar acta refers to the act of 'drawing up' or 'recording' the minutes of a meeting.
Examples in context
- Él situó el letrero enfrente de la tiendaHe put up the sign in front of the store
- Pon las decoraciones para la fiestaPut up the decorations for the party
- Colgamos las luces de NavidadWe put up the Christmas lights
- Montaron una tienda de campaña en el parqueThey put up a tent in the park
- Aguanto a mis vecinos ruidososI put up with my noisy neighbors
- Levantó la bandera.He put up the flag.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are decorating their new living room.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿dónde quieres levantar este estante?Alejandro, where do you want to put up this shelf?
- AlejandroMe gustaría levantarlo junto a la ventana.I would like to put it up next to the window.
- LucíaEstá bien, yo busco el taladro.That is fine, I will look for the drill.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía. Quedará muy bien ahí.Thank you, Lucía. It will look great there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry levantar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries levantar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
