llevar and tomar

Question

What is the difference between llevar and tomar.? When is one used rather than the other?

Franco has answered below - but I notice that Americans say "I need to bring the book back" When Brits would say "I need to take the book back" - ian-hill, Dec 2, 2012

I remember the difference like this - "bring here" and "take there" - ian-hill, Dec 2, 2012

I am from "The South" in the United States, If i am not at the library i would say "I need to take the book back." To use the word "bring" in this situation is gramatically wrong in English anywhere on earth. (I'm fairly certain about this) - arty8, Dec 31, 2015

Answer 1

Llevar means to carry, bring, or to take something from point A to point B.

Tomar means to take something. It also means to drink or eat something, but these two meanings are irrelevant to your question.

Example of a dialog using both verbs.

A--- Voy a llevar a la biblioteca el libro que saqué el mes pasado (éste que está sobre la mesa)

B--- OK. Pero cuidado con tomar el libro equivocado porque hay varios libros sobre la mesa.

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A--- I am going to bring (back) the book I borrowed from the library last month (the one on the table).

B--- OK. But be careful not to take the wrong one (there are several books on the table).

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Gracias- this helped alot.

De nada. - francobollo, Dec 2, 2012