libro de bolsillo
/ˌlibɾo de bolˈsiʝo/masculine
The English phrase paperback is translated into Spanish as libro de bolsillo. Wiktionary also lists libro de tapa blanda.
Meaning: book (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| libro de bolsillo | /ˌlibɾo de bolˈsiʝo/ | masculine |
| libro de tapa blanda | /libɾo de tapa blanda/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
libro de bolsillo literally translates to 'pocket book', while libro de tapa blanda literally translates to 'soft cover book'.
Which one should you use?
libro de bolsillo often implies a smaller, more portable mass-market edition. In contrast, libro de tapa blanda is a more general description of any book with a flexible cover and serves as the direct antonym to libro de tapa dura (hardcover book).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both libro de bolsillo and libro de tapa blanda are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlibɾo de bolˈsiʝo/
Did you know?
- While a paperback is a libro de tapa blanda, the word tapa is also used to describe the small, delicious appetizers served with drinks in Spain.
- The word tapa in libro de tapa blanda shares a common ancestor with the English word 'tap', both originating from a Proto-Germanic word meaning 'a plug' or 'a stopper'.
- The word bolsillo in libro de bolsillo is a diminutive of bolso, which means 'bag' or 'purse'.
Examples in context
- Me encanta leer libros de bolsillo.I love reading paperbacks.
- ¿Tienes la edición rústica de este libro?Do you have the paperback edition of this book?
- Prefiero comprar un libro de bolsillo.I prefer to buy a paperback.
- Ese libro de bolsillo es muy barato.That paperback is very cheap.
- ¿Tienes un libro de bolsillo de este autor?Do you have a paperback by this author?
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are at a bookstore.
- ElenaMira este libro de bolsillo, Mateo.Look at this paperback, Mateo.
- MateoEs muy pequeño, Elena.It is very small, Elena.
- ElenaSí, pero es más fácil de llevar.Yes, but it is easier to carry.
- MateoTienes razón, vamos a comprarlo.You are right, let's buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paperback” translations and entries libro de bolsillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsillo, de, libro, libro de bolsillo, tapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
