Traer and llevar - what is the reference point?

Question

I always have problems concerning **traer** and **llevar**. I think I understand the general meaning:- Llevar means "to take", such as when an object is being taken (generally by you) to a place other than where you are.- Traer means "to bring", such as when an object is being transported to the place where you are.However, I'm confused how those rules apply when speaking with other persons. Here is an example:- I'm talking to my friend Pablo.- Pablo is in place A, I'm in place B.- I want Pablo to transport an apple from A to B.From Pablos point of view, I'd use "puedes llevar la manzana?", because he takes the apple from A to B.From my point of view, I'd use "puedes traer la manzana?", because the apple is being transported to the place where I am. So, both options could be justified by applying the rules, but I assume only one is correct. Which one, and why is that? I guess the problem boils down to whether the speakers location or the listeners location is the influencing one.

Answer 1

Llevar y traer

Llevabas la alegría a su casa.

You brought happiness to their house.

Llevabas corbata a la reunión.

You wore a tie to the Meeting.

Ella lleva mucho tiempo trabajando.

She has been working for a long time.

La Compañía lleva el nombre de la familia.

The Company bears the family's name.

El proyecto llevará mucho tiempo.

The proyect will take a lot of time.

Este candidato lleva ventaja a los demás.

This candidate has an adventage over the others.

Llevan un mes haciendo la encuesta.

They've been doing the survery for a month.

¿Cuánto tiempo llevan Uds. en la ciudad de New York?

How long have you been in New York City?

Mi hermano me lleva seis años.

My brother is six years older than I

Ellos llevan smoking.

They wear tuxedos.

Ellos llevan una vida muy emocionante.

They lead a very exciting life.

Todos los caminos llevan a Roma.

All roads lead to Rome.

La junta lleva la empresa con gran éxito.

The board runs the firm very successfully.

Ellas llevaron a cabo su objetivo.

They accomplished their goal.

"Lo que el viento se llevó."

"Gone with the Wind."

El ladrón se llevó nuestro equipaje.

The thief made off with our luggage.

¡Qué susto se llevó!

What a fright she bad!

¿Se llevan bien o mal?

Do they get along well or badly?

Se llevan como perros y gatos

They fight like cats and dogs

Answer 2

The verb llevar means to carry or to wear. Usually, you take something with you. Traer is to bring as it is to bring in plates or cups.