The simple present tense of llegar is used to describe actions happening in the present moment or habitual actions. For example, Llego a casa a las 6 p.m. (I arrive home at 6 p.m.).

Llegar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the present tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Llegar (to arrive) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Llegar generally means to arrive or to reach, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To arrive: This is the most common meaning, indicating the action of getting to a place or destination. For example, Yo llego a la oficina a las 8 am. (I arrive at the office at 8 am.)

To reach: Similar to arriving, but with more emphasis on the endpoint rather than the journey. For example, El tren llega a la estación a las 3 pm. (The train reaches the station at 3 pm.)

To extend or stretch: Used to describe something that extends or stretches to a certain point. For example, La alfombra llega hasta la pared. (The carpet reaches/stretches to the wall.)

To attain or achieve: Indicating the accomplishment of a goal or level. For example, Ella llega a ser una gran artista. (She becomes/achieves being a great artist.)

To be sufficient: Suggesting that something is enough or sufficient for a purpose. For example, Este dinero no llega para pagar la renta. (This money is not enough to pay the rent.)

To understand or comprehend (colloquial): In informal contexts, it can mean to understand or grasp something. For example, ¿Llegas o te explico otra vez? (Do you get it or should I explain it again?)

To affect or impact (colloquial): In some regions, it can mean to affect or impact someone in a negative way. For example, Si me sigues molestando, te va a llegar. (If you keep bothering me, you’ll get it/it’ll affect you.)

Examples

Examples of Llegar in the Present Tense

Cada mañana llego al trabajo a las 8 en punto. (Every morning I arrive at work at 8 o’clock sharp.)

¿A qué hora llegas a casa normalmente? (What time do you usually get home?)

El tren llega con retraso otra vez. (The train is late again.)

Llegamos justo a tiempo para la función de cine. (We’re arriving just in time for the movie showing.)

Mis amigos llegan mañana de vacaciones. (My friends are arriving tomorrow from vacation.)

Cuando llego a casa, me quito los zapatos y me relajo. (When I get home, I take off my shoes and relax.)

La primavera llega y todo se llena de flores. (Spring arrives and everything is filled with flowers.)

Apenas llego del trabajo y ya tengo que preparar la cena. (I barely get home from work and I already have to prepare dinner.)

¿A qué hora llegan tus invitados para la fiesta? (What time are your guests arriving for the party?)

Siempre llego temprano a las citas para no hacer esperar a nadie. (I always arrive early for appointments so I don’t make anyone wait.)

Cuando llegan las vacaciones, me gusta viajar a la playa. (When vacation time arrives, I like to travel to the beach.)

El paquete llega mañana, según el servicio de envíos. (The package is arriving tomorrow, according to the shipping service.)

¡Llegamos por fin! Fue un viaje muy largo. (We finally arrive! It was a very long trip.)

Mis abuelos llegan la próxima semana de visita. (My grandparents are arriving next week for a visit.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Llegar (to arrive) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.