libras esterlinas
/libɾas esteɾlinas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'british pounds' is translated into Spanish as libras esterlinas.
This phrase refers to the official currency used in the United Kingdom. In casual conversation, Spanish speakers often drop the adjective 'esterlinas' and simply say libras when the context of British currency is clear. The symbol for the British pound, £, is the same in Spanish as it is in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of libras (pounds) and esterlinas (sterling).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this phrase is libra esterlina.
How do you pronounce it?
/libɾas esteɾlinas/
Did you know?
- In historical texts, the libra was the basis for the 'livre' in France and the 'lira' in Italy, making the Spanish word a linguistic relative to several other European currencies.
- While libra means 'pound', it shares a root with the Latin word for 'balance' or 'scales', which is why it describes both a weight and a currency value.
- Because libra is also the Spanish word for the zodiac sign 'Libra', using the term in a conversation about horoscopes or astrology could lead to humorous linguistic puns.
Examples in context
- Necesito cambiar mis euros a libras esterlinas.I need to exchange my euros into British pounds.
- El tipo de cambio entre euros y libras británicas está muy alto hoy.The exchange rate between euros and British pounds is very high today.
- ¿Cuántas libras necesitas cambiar para tu viaje?How many pounds do you need to exchange for your trip?
- Me costó 20 pavos.It cost me 20 quid.
- El cambio es de libras esterlinas.The exchange rate is in british pounds.
- Necesito cambiar mis dólares por libras esterlinas.I need to change my dollars for british pounds.
Example conversation
María and Javier are planning a trip to London.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes libras esterlinas para el viaje?Javier, do you have british pounds for the trip?
- JavierNo, María, todavía no he ido al banco.No, María, I haven't gone to the bank yet.
- MaríaDebemos conseguir libras esterlinas antes de salir.We should get british pounds before leaving.
- JavierTienes razón, iré mañana mismo.You are right, I will go tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
