levantar
/lebanˈtaɾ/
To lift in Spanish is levantar.
The verb levantar is used to describe moving something from a lower position to a higher one. Beyond physical lifting, it can mean to raise objects, such as a flag or to get oneself up from a seated position. Specific common expressions include levantar pesas for weightlifting and levantarse de when referring to lifting oneself up from a seated or lying position. Note that if you want to say you are giving someone a lift in your car, you should use the expression dar un aventón instead.
Which one should you use?
While levantar is the standard way to say to lift or raise something, alzar is a more formal alternative that emphasizes the act of raising. Alzar is also used more poetically or to describe raising one's voice or a specific object higher.
How does it change in a sentence?
levantar is a regular -ar verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/lebanˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word for 'east' is levante, which shares the same root as levantar because it is the direction where the sun lifts or rises.
- In certain Latin American contexts, levantar can be used slangily to mean 'to pick up' or 'to seduce' someone, changing the physical act of lifting into a social one.
- The verb levantar is a close relative of the English word 'levity', which refers to lightness of spirit or a lack of seriousness.
Examples in context
- Él intentó en vano levantar la piedra.He tried in vain to lift up the stone.This sentence shows the use of levantar regarding a stone.Tatoeba #1855203 by marcelostockle, translation #291086 by CM
- Intentó con todas sus fuerzas levantar la caja.He tried with all his might to lift the box.This sentence shows the use of levantar regarding a box.Tatoeba #2160471 by Shishir, translation #300784 by CK
- No sabía cómo usar el gato para levantar el coche.I didn't know how to lift the car with the jack.This sentence shows the use of levantar regarding a car.Tatoeba #5748732 by arh, translation #9400593 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, ¿me podría ayudar a levantar estas cajas pesadas?Could you please help me lift these heavy boxes?
- El obrero tuvo que alzar vigas de acero durante todo el día.The worker had to lift steel beams all day long.
- Practico levantamiento de pesas en el gimnasioI practice weightlifting at the gym
- Puedo darte un aventón hasta tu casaI can give you a lift to your house
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are moving furniture in a living room.
- Elena¿Puedes ayudarme a levantar el sofá?Can you help me lift the sofa?
- JavierClaro, yo lo ayudo a levantar.Sure, I'll help lift it.
- ElenaCuidado, no lo vayas a levantar demasiado.Careful, don't lift it too high.
- JavierEstá bien, ya lo puedo levantar yo solo.It's okay, I can lift it by myself now.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
