Quiero leer
/kjeɾo leeɾ/from spelling rules
To say "I want to read" in Spanish, use Quiero leer.
This phrase is used to express a desire to engage in the act of reading.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want) and the infinitive leer (to read).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, when one verb follows another to express a desire, the second verb remains in its infinitive form, as seen with leer.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo leeɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase leer can be used colloquially to mean 'to interpret' or 'to understand' a situation, not just a text. For example, one might leer a person's intentions.
- While Quiero leer is common, Spanish speakers often use the conditional Querría leer to sound more polite or tentative when making a request in a formal setting.
- The verb leer shares an ancient root with the English word 'legend'.
Examples in context
- Quiero leer un libro.I want to read a book.This sentence shows how to use Quiero leer with a direct object.Tatoeba #12886481 by ecorralest101, translation #6272574 by CK
- Quiero leer este libro.I want to read this book.This sentence shows how to use Quiero leer with a demonstrative adjective.Tatoeba #544018 by Shishir, translation #253735 by CK
- Este es el libro que quiero leer.This is the book I want to read.This sentence shows the placement of Quiero leer within a relative clause.Tatoeba #1715572 by marcelostockle, translation #1140049 by CK
- Estimado Sr. García, le escribo para expresarle que deseo leer más sobre el tema que mencionó en su charla. ¿Podría recomendarme algún libro al respecto?Dear Mr. García, I am writing to express my desire to read more about the topic you mentioned in your talk. Could you recommend me a book on the subject?
- Disculpe, ¿me podría ayudar a encontrar el libro "Cien años de soledad"? Me gustaría leerlo.Excuse me, could you help me find the book "One Hundred Years of Solitude"? I would like to read it.
- ¡Hola Alejandra! Hoy hace un día lluvioso perfecto para quedarse en casa. ¿Quieres jugar a videojuegos o quieres leer uno de mis libros? ¡Quiero leer el último que compré!Hi Alejandra! Today is a perfect day to stay at home, it's rainy outside. Do you want to play video games or read one of my books? I want to read the latest one I bought!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are in a library.
- ElenaQuiero leer algo nuevo.I want to read something new.
- Mateo¿Quieres leer una novela de misterio?Do you want to read a mystery novel?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, eso suena bien.Yes, Mateo, that sounds good.
- MateoEntonces busquemos una en este estante.Then let's look for one on this shelf.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
