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A1 verb 10 min de lectura

લેવું

To accept or acquire meaning to take

At the A1 level, 'લેવું' (levu) is taught as a basic action verb meaning 'to take'. Students learn it in the context of everyday objects and simple requests. You use it to ask for things at a dinner table ('Mane pani lo' - though 'aapvu' is more common for 'give me', 'levu' is used for 'I will take'). It is one of the first verbs students learn to conjugate in the simple present tense. At this stage, the focus is on the physical act of taking something from someone or somewhere. Phrases like 'Chai lo' (Take tea) or 'Aa le' (Take this) are essential. The main goal is to understand that 'levu' is the opposite of 'aapvu' (to give). Students are not yet expected to master the complex past tense agreement, but they should recognize 'lidhu' as the past form.
At the A2 level, students begin to use 'લેવું' (levu) in more varied contexts, including shopping and transportation. They learn that 'levu' can mean 'to buy' (e.g., 'Maare aa shirt levu che'). This level introduces the ergative case, so students start practicing 'Me lidhu' (I took) instead of 'Hu lidhu'. They also learn common collocations like 'ticket levu' (to buy a ticket) and 'visamo levu' (to take a rest). The distinction between the polite 'lo' and the informal 'le' becomes important as students learn to navigate social hierarchies in Gujarati culture. They also start using 'levu' with time, such as 'Vant leshe' (It will take time).
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At the B1 level, the learner explores the metaphorical and auxiliary uses of 'લેવું' (levu). Students learn to use it in compound verb constructions, which is a hallmark of natural-sounding Gujarati. For example, 'kari levu' (to finish doing something for oneself) or 'shikhi levu' (to learn something thoroughly). They also encounter abstract uses like 'nirnay levu' (taking a decision) and 'badlo levu' (taking revenge). At this stage, learners should be comfortable with the gender and number agreement of 'lidho/lidhi/lidhu/lidha' based on the object. They also begin to understand the nuances of 'levu' in professional settings, such as taking responsibility or taking a lead in a project.
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B2 learners use 'લેવું' (levu) with precision and stylistic flair. They understand the difference between 'levu' and its more formal synonyms like 'svikarvu' (to accept) and 'grahan karvu' (to consume/absorb). They can use 'levu' in complex conditional sentences (e.g., 'Jo tame aa dhyanma lesho...' - If you take this into consideration...). They are also familiar with many idioms involving the word, such as 'bhed levo' (to find out a secret) or 'shwas levo' (to take a breath/sigh of relief). Their use of 'levu' as an auxiliary verb becomes more frequent and accurate, allowing them to express the 'self-benefactive' aspect of an action effortlessly.
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At the C1 level, 'લેવું' (levu) is used in literary and highly formal contexts. The learner understands the etymological connection to Sanskrit and can appreciate its use in classical Gujarati poetry and prose. They can distinguish between subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'mulaqat levi' (to pay a visit/take a meeting) and 'mulaqat karvi' (to meet). They are adept at using 'levu' in legal or academic writing where it might appear in phrases like 'nondh levi' (to take note of/record). The learner also understands the socio-linguistic implications of using 'levu' in different dialects of Gujarat and can adjust their register accordingly.
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At the C2 level, the speaker has a native-like grasp of 'લેવું' (levu), including its most obscure idiomatic and dialectal variations. They can use the verb to create wordplay, puns, and sophisticated rhetoric. They understand the philosophical implications of 'levu' in spiritual discourses (e.g., 'sanyas levo'). They can use the verb in its most complex grammatical forms, such as the passive or causative, without hesitation. At this level, 'levu' is not just a word but a versatile tool used to navigate the deepest nuances of Gujarati culture, humor, and literature. They can effortlessly switch between the colloquial 'le' and the highly formal 'grahan karvu' based on the audience.
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Ejemplos

લેવું en 30 segundos

  • Fundamental verb meaning 'to take' or 'to accept'.
  • Essential for shopping, eating, and social interactions.
  • Requires complex agreement in the past tense (lidho/lidhi/lidhu).
  • Functions as a key auxiliary verb for self-benefactive actions.
The Gujarati verb લેવું (levu) is a foundational pillar of the language, primarily translating to 'to take' or 'to accept' in English. At its most basic level, it describes the physical act of grasping an object and bringing it into one's possession. However, its semantic range is vast, covering transactional actions like buying, psychological states like taking a breath or a rest, and social interactions like accepting an invitation or a gift. In a Gujarati household, you will hear this word constantly, whether someone is asking you to take a seat, take some more food, or take care of a task.
Physical Action
The most common use is the movement of an item from one place to oneself. For example, picking up a pen from a table is described using 'levu'.
Transactional/Commercial
In the context of shopping, 'levu' often replaces 'kharidvu' (to buy) in colloquial speech. If you are at a market, you might say 'I want to take this' meaning 'I want to buy this'.
Acceptance
It signifies the willingness to receive something offered, such as advice, a bribe, a challenge, or a compliment.

તમે આ ચોપડી લેશો? (Will you take this book?)

Understanding 'levu' requires recognizing that it is a transitive verb, meaning it usually acts upon an object. In Gujarati grammar, this becomes particularly important in the past tense, where the verb's ending changes to match the gender and number of the object being 'taken'. For instance, if you took a book (feminine), you say 'lidhi', but if you took a glass (masculine), you say 'lidho'.

મેં મારો સામાન લીધો. (I took my luggage.)

This verb also forms the basis for many compound verbs. When combined with other verbs, it can indicate that an action is done for one's own benefit. This nuanced use is what separates a beginner from a fluent speaker. For example, 'khai levu' implies finishing off a meal completely for oneself.
Metaphorical Use
It is used for abstract concepts like taking a decision (nirnay levu) or taking an exam (pariksha aapvi - note the cultural flip here where students 'give' exams, but can 'take' classes).

શાંતિથી શ્વાસ લો. (Take a breath calmly.)

Finally, 'levu' is essential for daily survival phrases. From 'ticket levu' (buying a ticket) to 'badlo levu' (taking revenge), the word spans the entire gamut of human experience. Its frequency in speech is so high that it often undergoes phonetic shortening in rapid conversation, sometimes sounding like a quick 'le' or 'lo' depending on the dialect and speed of the speaker.
Using લેવું (levu) correctly involves mastering its conjugation across different tenses and moods. Since it is a transitive verb, it follows the ergative-absolutive pattern in perfective tenses (past tense). This means the subject takes the 'ne' suffix and the verb agrees with the object.
Present Tense
In the present tense, the verb changes based on the subject. 'Hu lau chu' (I take), 'Tame lo cho' (You take), 'Te le che' (He/She takes). It indicates a habitual action or something happening now.

હું દરરોજ સવારે ચા લઉં છું. (I take tea every morning.)

Past Tense (Crucial)
This is where most learners struggle. The verb becomes 'lidhu' (neuter), 'lidho' (masculine), 'lidhi' (feminine), or 'lidha' (plural). The subject must have 'ne' added. Example: 'Me pustak lidhu' (I took the book - neuter object).

તેણે નવી ગાડી લીધી. (He/She took/bought a new car.)

Future Tense
Future forms are 'leish' (I will take), 'leshe' (He/She/They will take), 'lesho' (You will take). These are straightforward and agree with the subject.

અમે કાલે રજા લેઈશું. (We will take a holiday tomorrow.)

Imperatives are also very common. 'Le' is for friends or younger people, while 'Lo' is for elders or formal situations. If you want to be even more polite, you can say 'lesho' as a question. For example, 'Chai lesho?' (Will you take tea?). This is the standard way to offer hospitality in Gujarat.

તમે થોડો આરામ લો. (You take some rest.)

In negative sentences, we use 'nathi letu' (doesn't take) or 'na lidhu' (didn't take). Mastery of these patterns allows for complex expression. For instance, 'Maare aa nathi levu' (I don't want to take/buy this). The verb can also be used in the potential mood: 'Lai shakay' (can be taken).

શું હું તમારો ફોન લઈ શકું? (Can I take/use your phone?)

The versatility of 'levu' makes it one of the top 10 most used verbs. Whether you are taking a bus (bus levu/pakadvu), taking a class, or taking a risk (jokham levu), the structure remains consistent once you grasp the object-agreement rule in the past tense.
You will encounter લેવું (levu) in almost every social setting in Gujarat. In a bustling market (bazaar) in Ahmedabad or Surat, the air is filled with vendors shouting 'Lyo, lyo!' (Take it, buy it!). Here, it is the primary word for commerce. Customers will ask, 'Aa ketlama lesho?' (For how much will you take/buy this?) or 'Mane aa levu che' (I want to take this).
At Home
During meals, the host will insistently say 'Biju thodu lo' (Take some more). It is polite to decline once and then 'take' it upon the second or third insistence.
In Offices
Managers will talk about 'Nirnay levu' (Taking a decision) or 'Jababdari levu' (Taking responsibility). It signifies professional agency.

તમે આ જવાબદારી લેશો? (Will you take this responsibility?)

In religious and spiritual contexts, 'levu' takes on a profound meaning. One 'takes' 'diksha' (initiation into monkhood) or 'vrat' (a vow/fast). Taking 'darshan' (beholding a deity) is a core part of Hindu practice in Gujarat. You don't just 'see' the god; you 'take' the vision of the god into your soul.

ચાલો, આપણે મંદિરના દર્શન લઈએ. (Come, let's take darshan of the temple.)

On the street, you might hear 'Upar levu' (to lift up) or 'Mane sathe leta jajo' (Take me along with you). In schools, teachers tell students to 'Nondh levi' (Take notes). In pharmacies, the chemist will explain how to 'Dava levi' (take medicine). The word is ubiquitous because it bridges the gap between physical possession and abstract commitment.
Public Transport
When boarding a rickshaw, the driver might ask 'Kyan javu che?' and you might respond by saying 'Station leva chalo' (Come to take me to the station).

તમારે કઈ બસ લેવી છે? (Which bus do you want to take?)

Finally, in the digital age, young Gujaratis use 'levu' for 'taking a selfie' or 'taking a screenshot'. It has seamlessly transitioned from ancient Sanskrit roots to modern tech slang.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with લેવું (levu) is failing to apply the ergative case in the past tense. In English, you say 'I took' regardless of what you took. In Gujarati, if you say 'Hu lidhu', it is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'Me... lidhu'. The 'Me' is the ergative form of 'Hu'.
Gender Mismatch
Learners often forget that the past tense verb must match the object. Saying 'Me chai lidho' is wrong because 'Chai' (tea) is feminine. It should be 'Me chai lidhi'.

❌ હું પુસ્તક લીધું. (Incorrect)
✅ મેં પુસ્તક લીધું. (Correct)

Another common error is confusing 'levu' (take) with 'aapvu' (give). While they are opposites, in certain idiomatic expressions, they can be confusing. For example, in English you 'take an exam', but in Gujarati, a student 'gives' an exam (pariksha aapvi). If you say 'Me pariksha lidhi', it implies you were the teacher who administered or 'took' the exam from the students.
Confusion with 'Pakadvu'
English uses 'take' for transport (take a bus). While 'bus levu' is understood, 'bus pakadvi' (catch a bus) is often more natural. Using 'levu' for everything can sound slightly robotic.
Pronunciation is another pitfall. The 'L' in 'levu' is a standard dental 'L', but the 'v' is a soft labiodental, almost like a mix of 'v' and 'w'. Beginners sometimes over-pronounce the 'v' like a hard English 'V'. Additionally, the nasalization in 'lau chu' (I take) is often missed by non-native speakers, which can make the speech sound flat.

❌ મેં પેન લીધો. (Incorrect - Pen is feminine)
✅ મેં પેન લીધી. (Correct)

Overusing 'Levu' for 'Buying'
While 'levu' is used for buying, in formal writing or high-level discussion, 'kharidvu' is preferred. Using 'levu' in a formal business contract might seem too casual.
Finally, avoid using 'levu' for 'taking a person' somewhere in a romantic or social sense without the proper context; 'lai javu' (to take along) is the correct phrasal verb for transporting people.
While લેવું (levu) is the general-purpose word for 'take', Gujarati offers several more specific alternatives depending on the context. Knowing these will elevate your fluency from A1 to B2 level.
સ્વીકારવું (Svikarvu)
This means 'to accept' or 'to admit'. Use this for abstract things like accepting a mistake or a proposal. It is more formal than 'levu'.
ગ્રહણ કરવું (Grahan Karvu)
A highly formal and Sanskritized term meaning 'to consume' or 'to absorb'. Used in science (absorbing light) or high-level spirituality (absorbing knowledge).
પકડવું (Pakadvu)
Means 'to catch' or 'to hold'. Use this when 'taking' involves physical gripping, like catching a ball or holding a hand.

તેણે મારો હાથ પકડ્યો. (He caught/held my hand.)

ઉપાડવું (Upadvu)
This means 'to lift' or 'to pick up'. If you are taking something heavy, 'upadvu' is more descriptive. It is also used for 'picking up' a phone call.

તમે મારો ફોન કેમ ન ઉપાડ્યો? (Why didn't you pick up/take my call?)

In the context of buying, 'Kharidvu' (to buy) or 'Vechatu levu' (to take by paying) are common. If you are 'taking' a path or a road, you might use 'pakadvu' (road pakadvo). If you are 'taking' a photo, only 'levu' works. If you are 'taking' revenge, 'badlo levu' is the set phrase.
મેળવવું (Melavvu)
Means 'to obtain' or 'to get'. Often used for achievements or things earned through effort, like a degree or a prize.

તેણે પરીક્ષામાં પ્રથમ નંબર મેળવ્યો. (He obtained/got the first rank in the exam.)

By diversifying your vocabulary with these synonyms, you can convey more precise meanings. For instance, 'Mane tame swikarya cho' (I have accepted you) sounds much more romantic and deep than 'Me tane lidhi che' (which could sound possessive or even objectifying depending on context).
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Ejemplos por nivel

1

આ ચોપડી લો.

Take this book.

Imperative formal 'lo'.

2

હું પેન લઉં છું.

I am taking the pen.

Present tense first person.

3

તમે શું લેશો?

What will you take?

Future tense second person.

4

તે પાણી લે છે.

He/She is taking water.

Present tense third person.

5

મારે આ લેવું છે.

I want to take this.

Infinitive with 'che' to express desire.

6

ચોકલેટ લે!

Take a chocolate!

Informal imperative 'le'.

7

અમે ફળ લઈએ છીએ.

We are taking fruits.

Present tense first person plural.

8

તેણે પેન્સિલ લીધી.

He/She took a pencil.

Past tense, feminine object agreement.

1

મેં ગઈકાલે નવી સાયકલ લીધી.

I bought/took a new bicycle yesterday.

Past tense with ergative 'Me'.

2

તમારે કઈ બસ લેવી છે?

Which bus do you want to take?

Interrogative with infinitive.

3

થોડો આરામ લો.

Take some rest.

Common collocation 'aaram levo'.

4

શું તમે ટિકિટ લીધી?

Did you take/buy the ticket?

Past tense question.

5

તેણે મારો ફોન નંબર લીધો.

He took my phone number.

Past tense, masculine object 'number'.

6

અમે દરરોજ દૂધ લઈએ છીએ.

We take/buy milk every day.

Habitual present tense.

7

આ દવા જમ્યા પછી લેજો.

Take this medicine after eating.

Polite imperative 'lejo'.

8

તેણે રજા લીધી નથી.

He has not taken a leave.

Negative past tense.

1

તમારે હવે એક નિર્ણય લેવો પડશે.

You will have to take a decision now.

Future obligation with 'levo padshe'.

2

મેં મારું કામ પતાવી લીધું.

I finished off my work.

Compound verb 'patavi lidhu'.

3

તેણે મારી વાત ગંભીરતાથી લીધી.

He took my words seriously.

Abstract use of 'levu'.

4

આપણે આ બાબત ધ્યાનમાં લેવી જોઈએ.

We should take this matter into consideration.

Modal verb 'joiye' with infinitive.

5

તેણે બદલો લેવાનું નક્કી કર્યું.

He decided to take revenge.

Idiomatic 'badlo levo'.

6

તમે આ ફોટો ક્યારે લીધો?

When did you take this photo?

Past tense with masculine object 'photo'.

7

મેં ગુજરાતી શીખી લીધું છે.

I have learned Gujarati (for myself).

Perfect tense compound verb.

8

તેણે બધી જવાબદારી પોતાના માથે લીધી.

He took all responsibility on his head.

Metaphorical use.

1

તેણે છેવટે આ પડકાર ઝીલી લીધો.

He finally accepted/took up this challenge.

Compound verb 'zhili lidho'.

2

તમારે તમારા સ્વાસ્થ્યની સંભાળ લેવી જોઈએ.

You should take care of your health.

Collocation 'sambhal levi'.

3

તેણે સન્યાસ લેવાનો વિચાર કર્યો.

He thought about taking sanyas (renunciation).

Cultural term 'sanyas levo'.

4

આ યોજનાનો લાભ લેવો જોઈએ.

One should take advantage of this scheme.

Passive-like construction.

5

મેં તેની પાસેથી વિગતો લઈ લીધી છે.

I have already taken the details from him.

Intensive compound verb 'lai lidhi'.

6

શિક્ષકે વિદ્યાર્થીઓની હાજરી લીધી.

The teacher took the students' attendance.

Formal context 'hajri levi'.

7

તમે આ વાતનો ખોટો અર્થ ન લેશો.

Do not take this the wrong way (wrong meaning).

Polite negative future.

8

તેણે ઊંડો શ્વાસ લીધો અને બોલવાનું શરૂ કર્યું.

He took a deep breath and started speaking.

Narrative past tense.

1

સરકારે આ ગંભીર મુદ્દાની નોંધ લેવી પડશે.

The government will have to take note of this serious issue.

Formal phrase 'nondh levi'.

2

લેખકે આ નવલકથામાં સમાજનું પ્રતિબિંબ લીધું છે.

The author has captured (taken) a reflection of society in this novel.

Literary usage.

3

તેણે પોતાની ભૂલનો એકરાર કરી લીધો.

He confessed (took the confession of) his mistake.

Compound verb for self-action.

4

આપણે આ ઐતિહાસિક ક્ષણનો આનંદ લેવો જોઈએ.

We should take pleasure in this historical moment.

Abstract 'aanand levo'.

5

તેણે ગુપ્ત રીતે માહિતી લેવાનો પ્રયત્ન કર્યો.

He tried to take information secretly.

Adverbial phrase with 'levu'.

6

મંત્રીશ્રીએ પૂરગ્રસ્ત વિસ્તારની મુલાકાત લીધી.

The minister visited (took a visit to) the flood-affected area.

Official terminology.

7

તમારે આ જોખમ લેવું જ પડશે.

You must take this risk.

Emphatic particle 'ja'.

8

તેણે દીક્ષા લેવાનો દ્રઢ સંકલ્પ કર્યો.

He made a firm resolution to take initiation.

High-register spiritual context.

1

તેણે પોતાની વાણીમાં સંયમ લેવો જોઈએ.

He should exercise (take) restraint in his speech.

Philosophical usage.

2

કવિએ પ્રકૃતિના તત્વોને કવિતામાં વણી લીધા છે.

The poet has woven (taken and woven) the elements of nature into the poem.

Sophisticated compound 'vani lidha'.

3

તેણે આખી પરિસ્થિતિનો તાગ લીધો.

He gauged (took the measure of) the entire situation.

Idiomatic 'taag levo'.

4

આ કાયદાએ ઘણું આક્રમક સ્વરૂપ લીધું છે.

This law has taken a very aggressive form.

Metaphorical transformation.

5

તેણે બધી કળા આત્મસાત કરી લીધી.

He assimilated (took into himself) all the art.

High-level vocabulary 'aatmsaat'.

6

તમારે તમારા પૂર્વગ્રહો છોડીને નવો અભિગમ લેવો જોઈએ.

You should leave your prejudices and take a new approach.

Complex sentence structure.

7

તેણે સંજોગોનો ગેરલાભ લેવાનો પ્રયાસ કર્યો.

He tried to take undue advantage of the circumstances.

Ethical context 'gerlabh levo'.

8

આ ઘટનાએ આખા દેશનું ધ્યાન ખેંચી લીધું.

This incident grabbed (took) the attention of the whole country.

Idiomatic 'dhyaan khenchi levu'.

Colocaciones comunes

નિર્ણય લેવો
શ્વાસ લેવો
રજા લેવી
ટિકિટ લેવી
ફોટો લેવો
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