lee tu libro
/lee tu libɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'read your book' is translated into Spanish as lee tu libro.
This phrase is used as an instruction or request for someone to read the book that belongs to them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lee (the imperative form of leer, to read), tu (your, possessive adjective) and libro (book).
Which one should you use?
The word tu in lee tu libro is the possessive adjective meaning 'your'. It is distinct from tú, which is the subject pronoun meaning 'you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lee tu libro uses the informal imperative (tú command), which is used when speaking to a friend, child or someone you know well. If you want to say 'read your book' to a stranger or someone in a position of authority, you should use the formal form lea su libro.
How do you pronounce it?
/lee tu libɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word libro shares its root with the English word 'library'. Both originate from the Latin liber, which originally referred to the inner bark of a tree used for writing.
- To make the command lee tu libro sound more affectionate or less like a harsh order, Spanish speakers may use the diminutive librito instead.
- If you use the informal lee tu libro with a stranger, you might be seen as being intentionally rude or disrespectful rather than just making a grammar mistake.
Examples in context
- Lee tu libro.Read your book.This sentence is useful for expressing the command 'Read your book.' using lee tu libro.Tatoeba #6688853 by arh, translation #2249846 by CK
- Lee tu libro y concéntrateRead your book and concentrate
- Lee tu libro en silencio.Read your book in silence.
- Siéntate y lee tu libro ahora.Sit down and read your book now.
Example conversation
A mother is telling her son to focus on his studies.
- MaríaDaniel, deja de jugar y lee tu libro.Daniel, stop playing and read your book.
- DanielEstá bien, mamá.Okay, mom.
- MaríaEs importante que estudies mucho.It is important that you study a lot.
- DanielLo haré ahora mismo.I will do it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libro, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
