media libra
/medja libɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "half a pound" is translated into Spanish as media libra.
The phrase is used to denote a unit of weight equal to eight ounces.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of media, meaning "half" and libra, meaning "pound".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase media libra is feminine because the noun libra is feminine. If you wish to specify what the weight refers to, use the construction media libra de followed by the noun, such as media libra de carne (half a pound of meat).
Did you know?
- While media libra refers to weight, the word media also means 'sock' or 'stocking' in Spanish.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, people use the term libra to refer to a weight of 500 grams rather than the 453 grams used in the English pound.
- The term libra comes from the Latin word for 'scale', which is why it is used to describe both the object used for weighing and the weight itself.
Examples in context
- Necesito media libra de carne, por favor.I need half a pound of meat, please.
- Necesito media libra de café.I need half a pound of coffee.
- Ponga media libra de queso, por favor.Put half a pound of cheese, please.
- Solo quiero media libra de carne.I only want half a pound of meat.
Example conversation
At a local grocery store.
- Daniel¿Tiene media libra de mantequilla?Do you have half a pound of butter?
- LucíaSí, la tenemos disponible.Yes, we have it available.
- DanielPerfecto, dame media libra.Perfect, give me half a pound.
- LucíaAquí tiene, señor.Here you go, sir.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libra, media, CC BY-SA 4.0.
