lleva
/ʝeba/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for 'wears' is lleva.
The word lleva is used to describe someone wearing clothing or accessories. However, it is also used to mean 'carries' for objects. You might use lucir if the person is wearing something to look stylish or elegant. In Mexico, people commonly use traer to express the idea of 'to wear'.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'wears' and 'carries' are distinct verbs, but in Spanish, lleva covers both meanings. You can also use the phrase lleva puesto to specifically emphasize the state of wearing something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the verb traer to mean 'to wear'.
How does it change in a sentence?
lleva is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb llevar, meaning 'he/she/it wears'. When referring to a woman wearing something feminine, the form lleva puesta is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝeba/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, llevar is used to express how long someone has been doing something, such as lleva tres años viviendo aquí for 'he has been living here for three years'.
- While lleva means 'wears', the phrase llevarse bien uses the same root to mean 'to get along' with another person.
- If someone is 'carrying' a secret or a grudge, Spanish speakers use llevar to describe that emotional burden.
Examples in context
- El chico lleva gafas.The boy wears glasses.This sentence shows how to use lleva to describe wearing glasses.Tatoeba #1003027 by Shishir, translation #10175696 by ddnktr
- Él lleva puesto lentes.He wears glasses.This sentence uses lleva to describe wearing glasses.Tatoeba #2084691 by marcelostockle, translation #809656 by willhite2
- Ella lleva el pelo suelto.She wears her hair loose.This sentence shows how to use lleva regarding hair.Tatoeba #6795712 by arh, translation #2259191 by _undertoad
- María lleva puesto un vestido rojo.María wears a red dress.
- Juan usa un traje elegante.Juan wears a fancy suit.
- Él usa lentes de solHe wears sunglasses
- Ella luce un vestido impresionanteShe wears an impressive dress.
- Mi amigo trae unos zapatos nuevosMy friend is wearing new shoes
- Voy a llevar esta bufandaI'm going to wear this scarf
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking for a friend in a crowd.
- Sofía¿Cómo reconozco a tu hermano?How do I recognize your brother?
- AlejandroÉl lleva una camisa azul.He is wearing a blue shirt.
- Sofía¿Lleva también un sombrero?Is he also wearing a hat?
- AlejandroNo, no lleva nada en la cabeza.No, he isn't wearing anything on his head.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
