leer un libro
/leeɾ un libɾo/from spelling rules
To read a book in Spanish is leer un libro.
This phrase is used to describe the act of looking at and understanding written words in a book.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the first person singular, the past tense is leí un libro and the future tense is leeré un libro. If you need to use the gerund form to describe the ongoing action of reading a book, use leyendo un libro.
How do you pronounce it?
/leeɾ un libɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb leer originally meant 'to collect' or 'to gather' in Latin. This connects the act of reading to the idea of gathering information or words together.
- Spanish speakers use the same word libro for a physical book and for a bookkeeping ledger.
- The word libro is a close relative of the English word 'library', as both stem from the same Latin root for 'book'.
Examples in context
- Quiero leer un libro.I want to read a book.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to read a book.Tatoeba #12886481 by ecorralest101, translation #6272574 by CK
- Acabo de leer un libro.I just read a book.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have just finished reading a book.Tatoeba #5170237 by adroguense, translation #5170291 by tabular
- Él se sentó a leer un libro.He sat to read a book.This sentence is useful for describing an action someone sat down to do.Tatoeba #2440356 by marcelostockle, translation #5353103 by joshodude_1308
- Es importante leer un libro antes de dar una opiniónIt's important to read a book before giving an opinion
- Deberías realizar la lectura de un libro al mes para ampliar tus conocimientosYou should read a book a month to expand your knowledge
- Para mejorar tu escritura, es fundamental efectuar la lectura de un libro con regularidadTo improve your writing, it is essential to read a book regularly
- ¿Qué estás haciendo? – Estoy leyendo un libroWhat are you doing? – I'm reading a book
- Disfruto devorando libros de ciencia ficciónI enjoy devouring science fiction books
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a living room on a Sunday afternoon.
- Lucía¿Vas a leer un libro hoy, Daniel?Are you going to read a book today, Daniel?
- DanielSí, quiero leer un libro en el jardín.Yes, I want to read a book in the garden.
- LucíaQué buena idea, yo también voy a leer un libro.That's a good idea, I am also going to read a book.
- DanielPerfecto, disfrutemos de la tarde.Perfect, let's enjoy the afternoon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leer, libro, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
