traer (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Traer is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/trae̞ɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to bring
• to fetch
• to carry

Meaning and Usage

Traer means "to bring" or "to carry" something to a person or place. It is used in both spoken and written Spanish, but it tends to be somewhat more frequent in everyday oral communication. This verb is versatile and can denote physical movement of objects as well as abstract concepts like ideas or feelings.

Example Sentences

• Él va a traer la comida para la fiesta.

• He is going to bring the food for the party.

• ¿Puedes traerme un vaso de agua, por favor?

• Can you bring me a glass of water, please?

• Siempre me trae noticias de su viaje.

• He always brings me news from his trip.

Idiomatic Expressions

Traer is used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few examples:

• Traer a alguien de cabeza
• Meaning: To keep someone on their toes or to unsettle someone.

• Ella siempre trae a su madre de cabeza con sus preguntas.

  • She always keeps her mother on her toes with her questions.

• Traer mala suerte

• Meaning: To bring bad luck.

• Ese objeto siempre ha traído mala suerte a nuestra familia.

  • That object has always brought bad luck to our family.

• No traer nada a cuento

• Meaning: To be irrelevant or not to pertain to the conversation.

• Lo que dijiste no trae nada a cuento en esta discusión.

  • What you said is irrelevant to this discussion.

• Traer el alma en un hilo

• Meaning: To be in a very tense or anxious state, as if one's life is on the line.
• Desde el examen, tengo el alma en un hilo.
  • Since the exam, I've been on edge.

Etymology

The verb traer comes from the Latin "trahere", which means "to drag" or "to pull".

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Llevar (to carry; primarily used for moving something away from the speaker) - Acercar (to bring closer)

Antonyms: - Llevar (in specific contexts; indicating movement away rather than towards) - Alejar (to distance or take away)

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the significance, usage, and various expressions related to the verb traer in the Spanish language.