¿sabes leer?
/ˈsabes leˈeɾ/word by word
The English phrase "can you read?" is translated into Spanish as ¿sabes leer?
This phrase is used to ask if someone possesses the skill or knowledge required to read. If you want to ask if someone can read a specific language, you can place the name of that language after the verb leer, such as in ¿Sabes leer inglés?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Do you know to read?" because the verb saber is used in Spanish to express having the knowledge or ability to perform a specific action.
Which one should you use?
¿sabes leer? is used to ask about the skill of reading, whereas ¿puedes leer? asks if someone is physically able to read at a specific moment, such as due to small text or poor lighting.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address someone formally (usted), change the verb form from ¿sabes leer? to ¿sabe leer?
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsabes leˈeɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb leer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'legend'. This is because the original Latin meaning of 'to read' was actually 'to gather or collect' information.
- While leer refers to reading, the Spanish word letra can mean a 'letter' of the alphabet, a 'song lyric' or even a 'promissory note'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, leer can be used figuratively to describe the act of interpreting a person's expressions or intentions.
Examples in context
- Sí, sé leer.Yes, I know how to read.
- No, no sé leer.No, I don't know how to read.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sabes, leer) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
