leer en voz alta
/leeɾ en boθ alta/from spelling rules
To read aloud in Spanish is to say leer en voz alta.
The phrase is used to describe the act of saying a written text out loud so that others can hear it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en voz alta literally translates to in loud voice.
Which one should you use?
You may also use Leer a viva voz, which translates to 'read in a loud voice'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive leer is used when the phrase follows another verb or functions as a noun, such as in Quiero leer en voz alta (I want to read aloud). The gerund form for 'reading aloud' is leyendo en voz alta, and the first person singular past tense 'I read aloud' is leí en voz alta.
How do you pronounce it?
/leeɾ en boθ alta/
Did you know?
- The verb leer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'legend', as both stem from the Latin 'legere', which originally meant 'to collect or gather'.
- In Spanish, the word voz refers to the physical sound of a person's voice, but can also be used in legal contexts to describe someone's right to speak or vote.
- While leer en voz alta is the standard term, using a viva voz adds an emotional or physical intensity, often suggesting a shout or a proclamation.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puedes leer en voz alta el párrafo final?Please, can you read aloud the final paragraph?
- El poeta recitó en voz alta sus versos en el escenario.The poet recited his verses aloud on the stage.
- ¿Puedes leer en voz alta, por favor?Can you read aloud, please?
- Ella prefiere leer en voz alta para practicar.She prefers to read aloud to practice.
- No olvides leer en voz alta el poema.Don't forget to read the poem aloud.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are studying together in a library.
- MateoLucía, ¿puedes leer en voz alta este párrafo?Lucía, can you read this paragraph aloud?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, lo leeré ahora mismo.Yes, Mateo, I will read it right now.
- MateoGracias, así lo entiendo mejor.Thanks, that way I understand it better.
- LucíaDe nada, es un buen método.You're welcome, it's a good method.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, leer, voz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
