un libro
/un libɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "one book" is translated into Spanish as un libro.
un libro is used to refer to a single copy of a written work. Depending on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to provide, it can mean either "a book" or "one book".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase un libro, the word un serves as the masculine singular form of the indefinite article (a/an) or the number one. Because libro is a masculine noun, it must be paired with the masculine article.
How do you pronounce it?
/un libɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the feminine article una with this noun. Since libro is masculine, you should use un libro instead of una libro.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word libro comes from the Latin liber, which originally meant the inner bark of a tree. This is because early writing materials were often made from these strips of bark.
- The word libro is used in the phrase libro abierto, which describes a person who is honest and has nothing to hide.
- The word libro is used in the term libro de reclamaciones, a mandatory complaint book found in many Spanish businesses where customers can officially lodge grievances.
Examples in context
- Yo leo por lo menos un libro al mes.I read at least one book every month.This sentence shows how to use un libro when discussing reading frequency.Tatoeba #947054 by hayastan, translation #258681 by CK
- Sobre el escritorio solo hay un libro.There is only one book on the desk.This sentence uses un libro to describe the quantity of items on a desk.Tatoeba #862063 by ildefonk, translation #20577 by CK
- Debemos leer al menos un libro al mes.We should read one book a month at least.This sentence uses un libro to express a recommendation or obligation regarding reading.Tatoeba #1465320 by marcelostockle, translation #248888 by CM
- Por favor, tráeme un libro para leer durante el vuelo.Please bring me one book to read during the flight.
- No tengo tiempo para leer todo el set, pero quiero comprar un libro suelto.I don't have time to read the whole set, but I want to buy a single book.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are at a bookstore.
- Sofía¿Me puedes recomendar un libro?Can you recommend a book to me?
- DanielTengo un libro muy bueno para ti.I have a very good book for you.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel. ¿Es un libro nuevo?Thanks, Daniel. Is it a new book?
- DanielSí, es un libro recién publicado.Yes, it is a recently published book.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libro, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
