llevamos años

Question

What does the verb "llevar" mean in this context: "Llevamos años esperando este momento." Would it be "We have (for) years waited for this moment."? None of the variations from the translator make much sense, unless I add an implied "for".

I know I am missing something, so any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I know that other people has answered well, but I just want to add a thought. "Llevar" can be used with expressions of time to indicate that something has been going on for a period of time. Examples: ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas en España? - How long has e you been in Spain? "Llevan tres años de casados" - they have been married for 3 years.

• The Google translator rendered it as "We have been waiting for years now." - Malenor Nov 7, 2009

Answer 2

Literally it means we have carried years, which would imply the "for" in English.

• Thanks..it's seemed that way, but I thought it might be something deeper than that. - DR1960 Nov 7, 2009

Answer 3

"Llevar" translates as:

1. carry
2. take
3. convey
4. run
5. take over
6. take along
7. bear out
8. carry off
9. wash
10. blow
11. wear
12. have on
13. have
14. carry on
15. model
16. bear
17. keep
18. lead
19. bring
20. drive
21. deliver
22. whip
23. whisk
24. whirl
25. lug
26. tug
27. tote
28. trundle
29. sport
30. heave
31. hump
32. hunch
33. cart
34. ferryboat
35. truck
36. transport
37. enter up
38. live
39. live through
40. live up
41. spend
42. encroach on
43. bring round
44. bring around
45. see

I assume the best translation would include 38 or 39, lived or lived through.

• Holy Cow!! That is a word of many many uses! - DR1960 Nov 7, 2009

Answer 4

HI DR, mountaingirl was the first to give you the correct answer.

Llevar as an auxiliary, is used for the present perfect progressive form in English.

I have been studying for 7 years. LLevo 7 años estudiando.

Answer 5

Hemos pasado muchos años esperando este momento.

Answer 6

Llevar looks like the ultimate multipurpose verb.