sacar un libro
/sakaɾ un libɾo/from spelling rules
To check out a book in Spanish is sacar un libro.
The phrase sacar un libro is the standard way to describe the process of checking out a book from a library in most Spanish-speaking countries.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sacar literally means to take out or to extract.
Which one should you use?
While sacar un libro is the standard phrase for the library process, you may also encounter tomar prestado un libro or pedir prestado un libro, both of which mean to borrow a book.
How do you pronounce it?
/sakaɾ un libɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word libro comes from the Latin liber, which originally referred to the inner bark of a tree used for writing.
- While sacar un libro describes the act of borrowing, the word sacar is also used to describe taking a photo, called sacar una foto.
- The word libro shares a common ancestor with the French word livre, which means both 'book' and 'pound' (the unit of currency).
Examples in context
- Necesito tomar prestado este libro para mi investigación.I need to borrow this book for my research.
- Voy a sacar un libro de la biblioteca para leer en vacaciones.I'm going to check out a book from the library to read on vacation.
- Quiero sacar este libro de la biblioteca.I want to check out this book from the library.
- Necesito sacar un libro de la biblioteca.I need to check out a book from the library.
- ¿Puedo sacar un libro hoy?Can I check out a book today?
- Ella quiere sacar un libro de historia.She wants to check out a history book.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at the school library.
- MateoSofía, ¿vas a sacar un libro hoy?Sofía, are you going to check out a book today?
- SofíaSí, busco una novela corta.Yes, I am looking for a short novel.
- MateoYo también quiero sacar un libro.I want to check out a book too.
- SofíaVamos juntos a la recepción.Let's go to the reception together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libro, sacar, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
