Why se llevó and not just llevó?

Question

I used spanishdict for a translation of he took my computer (se llevó mi computadora) but im confused why it uses "se"

welcome to the forum, :) - 006595c6, Oct 10, 2017

Answer 1

While there isn't a HUGE difference, llevarse is a reflexive verb (which is why there is a "se" in there) LLEVAR, in this instance, means to take something to somewhere for some reason. LLEVARSE on the other hand means to take something with you. There is no specific destination, you're just taking it.

Here are some examples:

"No, ¡por dios! ¡Alguien se ha llevado mis llaves!

"Mañana, te llevo a la iglesia"

In llevar by itself there is an implied destination.

Here is a website that is pretty helpful with this topic: LLEVAR Y LLEVARSE

@Drew2029, I edited your link so that it's clickable. - NKM1974, Oct 10, 2017

Interesting explanation - Polenta, Oct 10, 2017

Thanks @nkm1974 ! I did not even notice that. - Drew2029, Oct 10, 2017

Great answer! A small technical point, I think llevarse here is not reflexive, just simply pronominal usage. - billygoat, Oct 10, 2017

Yes, you are correct, Billy ...technically speaking, it is a pronominal verb with a reflexive ending as Lazarus would say. - FELIZ77, Oct 10, 2017

However, although this is technically true, this can be too complex for many newbies and beginners wanting simple answers so I have noticed that sometimes people just call them reflexive verbs as their action is to reflect who is doing the action. - FELIZ77, Oct 10, 2017

example cepillarse Me cepillo los dientes = I brush my teeth. Billy, example given for other readers' benefit! - FELIZ77, Oct 10, 2017

Hi mate. That's because your example actually is reflexive .... you are brushing your own teeth! In drew's example the keys are not taking themselves away ;) I prefer to say 'pronominal' then you avoid all ambiguity. - billygoat, Oct 10, 2017

btw still a great answer though Drew .... and better than I could have given :) - billygoat, Oct 10, 2017

Yes, you're right Billy, 'prominal' is a much better way to put that. - Drew2029, Oct 10, 2017