libro
/ˈlibɾo/masculine
The English word "book" is translated into Spanish as libro. If unsure, use libro. Wiktionary also lists libraco and libracho.
Meaning: collection of sheets of paper bound together containing printed or written material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| libro | /ˈlibɾo/ | masculine |
| libraco | /liˈbɾako/ | derogatory, masculine |
| libracho | /libɾat͡ʃo/ (from spelling rules) | derogatory, masculine |
| librejo | /libɾexo/ (from spelling rules) | derogatory, masculine |
libro is the most common and straightforward word for a collection of sheets of paper bound together containing printed or written material. In more formal contexts, you might use obra when referring to literary works or important publications or volumen to refer to a volume of a book or a set of books.
Which one should you use?
While libro is the standard term, you may encounter derogatory forms like libraco, libracho or librejo. Additionally, the diminutive librito can be used informally to refer to a small or cute book.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of libro is libros.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlibɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the noun libro when you mean the verb "to book" (to reserve). Instead, use reservar or sacar.
Did you know?
- The Latin root for libro originally referred to the inner bark of a tree, which was used as a writing surface before paper became common.
- In Spanish, the word libro can be used in the phrase libro abierto to describe a person who is honest and has no secrets.
- The suffix '-aco' used in libraco is often used in Spanish to create words that sound heavy, clunky, or even slightly insulting.
Examples in context
- Te di un libro.I gave you a book.This sentence is useful for expressing that you gave someone a libro.Tatoeba #704242 by Shishir, translation #71028 by fucongcong
- Le di un libro.I gave him a book.This sentence is useful for expressing that you gave him a libro.Tatoeba #1292481 by marcelostockle, translation #260488 by CK
- Me leí el libro.I read the book.This sentence is useful for expressing that you read the libro.Tatoeba #1003089 by Shishir, translation #989164 by Valodnieks
- Me gusta leer un buen libro en mi tiempo libre.I like to read a good book in my free time.
- Esta obra es considerada un clásico de la literatura.This book is considered a classic of literature.
- La enciclopedia cuenta con varios volúmenes.The encyclopedia has several volumes.
- Mi hermanita me regaló un librito de cuentos.My little sister gave me a small book of stories.
- Me encantaría leer ese libraco, pero no tengo tiempo.I would love to read that hefty book, but I don't have the time.
- 1946 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in a bookstore.
- Daniel¿Buscas un libro nuevo?Are you looking for a new book?
- SofíaSí, quiero este libro de cocina.Yes, I want this cookbook.
- DanielEs un libro muy interesante.It is a very interesting book.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “book” translations and entries libro, libraco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
