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"Levantar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to raise", and "alzar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to lift". Learn more about the difference between "levantar" and "alzar" below.
levantar(
leh
-
bahn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
d. to pick up
Se inclinó para levantar la silla del suelo.He bent over to pick up the chair off the floor.
2. (to end)
5. (to remove)
a. to take down
Levantaron el laboratorio para dejar sitio a la nueva escuela.The laboratory was taken down to make room for the new school.
6. (to get to come out) (Cuba) (Mexico) (Venezuela)
Regionalism used in Cuba
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Venezuela
a. to remove
¿Qué se puede hacer para levantar una mancha de vino?What can you do to remove a wine stain?
levantarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
10. (to peel off)
a. to come off
Tenía el cuerpo quemado y se le levantaba la piel al tocarla.His body was burned and his skin came off when touched.
11. (to start)
a. to break out
Cuando el miembro de la oposición acusó al ministro de malversación, se armó una polvareda.When the opposition member accused the minister of embezzlement, mayhem broke out.
alzar(
ahl
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to raise
Alcé mi copa para ofrecer un brindis para el nuevo matrimonio.I raised my glass to offer a toast to the newly married couple.
c. to elevate (religious)
El sacerdote debe alzar la hostia y el cáliz de frente al altar.The priest should elevate the host and chalice while facing the altar.
2. (to put up)
a. to erect
El pueblo alzó un monumento para conmemorar a los héroes locales.The town erected a monument to commemorate the local heroes.
alzarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to put up)
a. to erect
Se alzó un nuevo centro de deportes en la ciudad vecina.A new sports center was erected in the neighboring city.
7. (to rebel)
a. to rise up
La comunidad indígena se alzó en apoyo al presidente.The indigenous community rose up in support of the president.
a. to be in heat
La gata del vecino se alza y no me deja dormir con todo el ruido que hace.The neighbor's cat is in heat and isn't letting me sleep with all the noise she is making.
a. to be full of oneself
Se alza mi hermano desde que compró un Ferrari.My brother is full of himself since he bought a Ferrari.
