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"Book" in Spanish: libro

el libro

Say it: LEE-brohmasculine · el libronoun/ˈli.bɾo/

A book is el libro (LEE-broh). It is masculine. Say un libro for a book, and leer un libro for to read a book.

In a bookstore

Busco un libro sobre México.
I'm looking for a book about Mexico.
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How to pronounce libro

Say it

LEE-broh

/ˈli.bɾo/

Two syllables: LEE-broh. Stress LEE. The b is soft between vowels.

"Book" in Spanish: quick reference

SpanishEnglish
el librothe book

Standard masculine noun for a book.

un libroa book

Buying or naming one book.

leer un libroto read a book

Common hobby phrase.

la libreríabookstore

Where you buy books (not a library).

How to use libro in real life

  1. 1In a bookstore

    Busco un libro sobre México.

    I'm looking for a book about Mexico.

    Un libro + sobre names the topic.

  2. 2Lending to a friend

    ¿Me prestas este libro?

    Will you lend me this book?

    Este libro points to a specific one.

  3. 3Evening routine

    Leo un libro antes de dormir.

    I read a book before sleeping.

    Leo un libro is everyday.

Mistakes English speakers make with libro

Incorrect: Compré una libro.

Correct: Compré un libro.

Libro is masculine. Say un libro.

Incorrect: Voy a la biblioteca a comprar un libro.

Correct: Voy a la librería a comprar un libro.

A library lends. A bookstore (librería) sells a libro.

Good to know

Libro is the reading kind. A library is biblioteca; a bookstore is librería. Ask for un libro de bolsillo for a paperback.

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Choosing something to read

  1. ChatPal

    ¿Terminaste el libro que te presté?

    Did you finish the book I lent you?

  2. You

    Casi. Es un libro largo, pero bueno.

    Almost. It's a long book, but good.

  3. ChatPal

    Si quieren, buscamos otro mañana.

    If you all want, we can look for another tomorrow.

  4. You

    Sí. Prefiero uno más corto.

    Yes. I prefer a shorter one.

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"Book" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Book" in Spanish

Is libro masculine or feminine?

Masculine: el libro, un libro corto.

How do I say bookstore?

Librería. Biblioteca is a library.

How do you pronounce libro?

LEE-broh. Stress the first syllable.

What is a paperback called?

Often un libro de bolsillo.

Learn a word, then use it out loud

  1. Step 1: See it in context
  2. Step 2: Say it out loud
  3. Step 3: Get feedback
  4. Step 4: Use it in real scenarios

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