libras
/libɾas/from spelling rules
The English abbreviation 'lbs' is translated into Spanish as libras, which refers to pounds, a unit of weight.
libras is used to denote the unit of measurement for weight known as pounds.
How do you pronounce it?
/libɾas/
Did you know?
- Because libra also means 'pound' as in currency, a person talking about libras could be discussing weight or British money depending on the context.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a libra is actually a unit of mass equivalent to 500 grams rather than the 453.6 grams used in the English 'pound'.
- The term libra shares a root with the Latin word for 'scales', which explains why it is used for both weight and the zodiac sign of Libra.
Examples in context
- El paquete pesa 10 libras.The package weighs 10 pounds.
- Perdí 5 libras en el último mes.I lost 5 pounds in the last month.
- El paquete pesa diez libras.The package weighs ten pounds.
- Necesito comprar cinco libras de café.I need to buy five pounds of coffee.
- Ese gato pesa unas ocho libras.That cat weighs about eight pounds.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at a grocery store.
- Mateo¿Cuántas libras de manzanas quieres, Sofía?How many pounds of apples do you want, Sofía?
- SofíaQuiero tres libras, por favor.I want three pounds, please.
- MateoMuy bien, las pondré en la bolsa.Very well, I will put them in the bag.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo.Thanks, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
