libra
/ˈlibɾa/feminine
In Spanish, the word for the unit of currency pound is libra.
The word libra in Spanish refers to both the zodiac sign and the unit of weight equal to approximately 454 grams.
Meaning: unit of currency (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of libra is libras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlibɾa/
Did you know?
- The symbol for the pound sterling £ is actually a stylized version of the letter L, standing for libra in Latin.
- The word libra comes from the Latin word for a scale, which is why it carries the meaning of both weight and the symbol for the zodiac sign Libra.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, people use libra to describe a weight that is not exactly 454 grams but is instead a rounded local approximation.
Examples in context
- Compramos una libra de té.We bought a pound of tea.This sentence shows how to use libra when referring to a weight of tea.Tatoeba #2250847 by Shishir, translation #23251 by CK
- Ayer compré una sandía de tres libras.Yesterday I bought a three pound watermelon.This sentence shows the plural use of libras for a weight of watermelon.Tatoeba #4409511 by umano, translation #4410143 by XenoKat
- ¿Sabes a cuánto está la libra de bacalao?Do you know how much a pound of cod is?This sentence illustrates how to ask for the price of a weight of cod using libra.Tatoeba #4056956 by gianich73, translation #5834382 by albrusgher
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing the price of a souvenir in London.
- SofíaEste libro cuesta diez libras.This book costs ten pounds.
- DanielEso es muy barato, Sofía.That is very cheap, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Tienes una libra más para el café?Do you have one more pound for the coffee?
- DanielSí, Daniel tiene el dinero.Yes, Daniel has the money.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pound” translations and entries libra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
