leer libros
/leeɾ libɾos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "read books" is translated into Spanish as leer libros.
The phrase leer libros is used to describe the act of looking at and understanding written words in books. In many contexts, Spanish speakers will simply use the verb leer alone if the object (books) is implied by the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adapt this phrase to different grammatical needs, note that if you want to say "to read a book" in the singular, you should change libros to un libro (to read a book becomes leer un libro). If you want to express the continuous action of "reading books", use the gerund form leyendo libros. To express that you read books in the past using the first person singular, use the preterite form leí libros.
How do you pronounce it?
/leeɾ libɾos/
Did you know?
- The root of leer originally meant 'to collect' or 'to gather' in Latin, rather than the act of reading itself.
- Spanish has a specific word, empastado, to describe a book that has been professionally hard-bound, a distinction not typically captured by the general phrase leer libros.
- In some literary contexts, leer can be used to describe 'interpreting' a person's expression or a situation, similar to the English 'reading the room'.
Examples in context
- Le gusta leer libros.He likes to read books.This sentence shows how to express that someone likes to read books.Tatoeba #990767 by hayastan, translation #303796 by CK
- Me encanta leer libros.I like to read books.This sentence expresses a strong preference for reading books.Tatoeba #1369345 by Shishir, translation #2377504 by CK
- A la dama le gusta leer libros.The lady likes to read books.This sentence shows how to say a lady likes to read books.Tatoeba #5032794 by don_ramon, translation #10868483 by Luornu
- Mi pasatiempo favorito es leer libros todos los días.My favorite hobby is reading books every day.
- Una forma excelente de cultivarse a través de la lectura es leer libros de diferentes géneros.An excellent way to cultivate oneself through reading is to read books from different genres.
- Voy a darle una ojeada al libro que me recomendaste.I'm going to take a look at the book you recommended.
- Me encanta leer libros de aventuras durante mis vacaciones en la playa.I love reading adventure books during my beach vacations.
- Para aprender sobre diferentes culturas, leo libros de viajes escritos por autores hispanos.To learn about different cultures, I read travel books written by Hispanic authors.
- A mi abuelo le gusta leer libros de historia para recordar los eventos del pasado.My grandfather enjoys reading history books to recall past events.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Te gusta leer libros en tu tiempo libre?Do you like to read books in your free time?
- DanielSí, me apasiona leer libros de misterio.Yes, I am passionate about reading mystery books.
- LucíaA mí también me encanta leer libros así.I also love reading books like that.
- DanielPodemos ir a la biblioteca juntos un día.We can go to the library together one day.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
