traer
/tɾaˈeɾ/
The Spanish phrase for "to bring" is traer.
traer is used to express carrying something or someone to the place where the speaker is located.
Which one should you use?
A common point of confusion is the distinction between traer and llevar. Use traer when the destination is the speaker's current location. Use llevar when the destination is somewhere else, which typically expresses the English "to take".
How does it change in a sentence?
traer has irregular forms in several tenses. The first-person singular present indicative is traigo (I bring). The preterite past tense is also irregular: traje (I brought), trajiste (you brought) and trajo (he/she brought).
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaˈeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use traer to mean "to take" (moving something away from the speaker). In those cases, you should use llevar instead.
Did you know?
- The verb traer is often used in the phrase traer cola, which literally means 'to bring a tail'. This is an idiom used to describe a situation that will have long-lasting consequences or complications.
- The Spanish verb traer descends from the Latin verb trahō, which is the same root that gives us the English word 'traction'.
- The verb traer is used in the colloquial expression traer ganas, which describes having a strong desire or craving to do something.
Examples in context
- Quiero traer aquí a Tom.I want to bring Tom here.This sentence shows how to use traer with a person.Tatoeba #2715130 by Shishir, translation #2012134 by CK
- Él trató de traer la paz.He tried to bring about peace.This sentence shows a figurative use of traer meaning to bring about something.Tatoeba #1883181 by marcelostockle, translation #303530 by Dejo
- Me olvidé traer el bañador.I forgot to bring my bathing suit.This sentence shows the use of traer with an object.Tatoeba #13458882 by Seael, translation #8292755 by CK
- Traiga el informe mañana, por favor.Bring the report tomorrow, please.
- Le agradecería si me trajera un poco de agua.I would appreciate it if you could bring me some water.
- La camarera llevará su pedido a la mesa.The waitress will bring your order to the table.
- ¿Puedes traer un poco de pan a la fiesta?Can you bring some bread to the party?
- ¡Trae tu guitarra y hagamos música juntos!Bring your guitar, and let's make music together!
- ¿Puedes llevar los libros al estudio?Can you bring the books to the study?
- ¿Qué me trajiste?What did you bring me?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a party, Maria asks Daniel to bring some drinks.
- María¿Puedes traer más refrescos para la fiesta?Can you bring more soft drinks for the party?
- DanielSí, yo los traeré ahora mismo.Yes, I will bring them right now.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, eres muy amable.Thanks, Daniel, you are very kind.
- DanielDe nada, María. ¿Necesitas algo más?You're welcome, Maria. Do you need anything else?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
