Traer vs. Llevar

Question 1

Both Traer and Llevar can mean “to carry something “

Traer means to carry something towards the speaker
—BRING

Llevar means to carry something away from the speaker
—TAKE

He brings the food to the table (speaker is at the table).

He takes the food to the table.(speaker is in the kitchen watching the waiter)

Answer 1

Trae la comida a la mesa.

Lleva la comida a la mesa.

Trae is pronounced “try”

Question 2

Jimmy is taking the money to the store. (Speaker is a third party observer)

I take the money to the store. (Speaker is Jimmy)

Jimmy brings the money to the store.(Speaker is the store owner watching Jimmy approach him).

Answer 2

Jimmy lleva el dinero a la tienda.

Llevo el dinero a la tienda.

Jimmy trae el dinero a la tienda.

Question 3

I brought the money to the store.

Speaker is Jimmy, now at the store

Answer 3

Traje el dinero a la tienda.

In English could say “Took” instead of “Brought”, but in Spanish would only use “Traje”, because you are NOT carrying something away from the speaker.

Question 4

I brought the food home.

Answer 4

Traje la comida a casa.

Question 5

Both Traer and Llevar can mean “to Bring or Take”.

In Spanish they are NOT interchangeable, they have different meanings.

Answer 5

Traer

Is used when something is being , has been, or will be brought to the location where the speaker is presently located.

Llevar

Is used when something is being , has been, or will be brought to a location NOT where the speaker is presently.