Spanish Phrase
Traje sobras.
Meaning
Literally ‘I brought leftovers.’ The speaker is saying that they arrived with food that was left over from a previous meal, often to share or to eat later.
When to use
Use this phrase when you arrive at a friend’s house, a picnic, or a potluck and you want to let others know you’ve brought extra food from home. It’s informal and common in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Trajesobras
Traje (pretérito de traer)
‘Traje’ is the first‑person singular preterite of the verb ‘traer’ (to bring). It indicates a completed action in the past.
Sobras (sustantivo plural)
‘Sobras’ is the plural form of ‘sobra’, meaning ‘leftover(s)’ or ‘what is left over’. It is a feminine noun and usually refers to food.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué trajiste?
What did you bring?
Traje sobras.
I brought leftovers.
✕Common Mistakes
Traía sobras.
‘Traía’ is imperfect, which describes an ongoing past action, not a single completed act of bringing.
Traje sobra.
‘Sobra’ is singular and usually means ‘there is extra’ rather than ‘leftovers’; the correct plural is ‘sobras’.
Traje sobro.
‘Sobro’ is a verb form (first‑person singular of ‘sobrar’) and does not function as a noun.
↔Alternatives
Llevé comida sobrante.
I brought leftover food.
Traje restos.
I brought leftovers.
Traje comida de más.
I brought extra food.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking families, sharing ‘sobras’ is a sign of generosity and practicality; it’s common to bring leftovers to a gathering rather than buying new dishes. The phrase is informal, so use it with friends, family, or in casual settings. In some regions, ‘sobras’ can also refer to any surplus items, not just food.