estoy leyendo un libro
/estoi leʝendo un libɾo/from spelling rules
estoy leyendo un libro is the Spanish way to say "I am reading a book".
This sentence is used to state that the speaker is currently in the process of reading a book.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of estoy (I am), leyendo (reading) and un libro (a book).
How does it change in a sentence?
The continuous aspect is formed using the auxiliary verb estar in the first person singular followed by the gerund leyendo. To change the subject to 'you' (informal), change estoy to estás. To change the subject to 'he' or 'she', change estoy to está.
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 estoy leyendo describes an action in progress, Spanish speakers often use the simple present leo un libro to mean the same thing in casual conversation.
- In Spanish, the phrase leer entre líneas is used just like the English 'read between the lines' to describe finding a hidden meaning.
Examples in context
- Ahora estoy leyendo un libro.I am reading a book now.This sentence is useful for adding the word 'now' to the phrase using estoy leyendo un libro.Tatoeba #571072 by catakaoe, translation #257629 by CK
- Estoy leyendo un libro sobre animales.I am reading a book about animals.This sentence is useful for specifying the subject of the book using estoy leyendo un libro.Tatoeba #1336592 by hayastan, translation #259710 by CC
- Estoy leyendo un libro.I am reading a book.This is a simple way to state the phrase estoy leyendo un libro.Tatoeba #801656 by Espi, translation #322105 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿puede esperar un momento? Me encuentro leyendo un libro y quiero terminar este capítulo.Excuse me, can you wait a moment? I find myself reading a book, and I want to finish this chapter.
- ¡Hola! No puedo salir ahora, estoy leyendo un libro muy interesante.Hi! I can't go out right now, I am reading a very interesting book.
- ¡Déjame en paz! Estoy leyendo un libro y no quiero que me interrumpan.Leave me alone! I am reading a book, and I don't want to be interrupted.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking on the phone.
- SofíaHola Mateo, ¿qué haces?Hello Mateo, what are you doing?
- MateoHola Sofía, estoy leyendo un libro ahora.Hello Sofía, I am reading a book now.
- Sofía¿Es un libro interesante?Is it an interesting book?
- MateoSí, es muy bueno.Yes, it is very good.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leyendo, libro, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
