lector
/leɡˈtoɾ/masculine
In Spanish, the English word "reader" is translated as lector. Wiktionary also lists lectora.
Meaning: person who reads a publication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lector | /leɡˈtoɾ/ | masculine |
| lectora | /leɡˈtoɾa/ | feminine |
The term refers to a person who reads a publication.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Spanish verb leer, which means "to read".
Which one should you use?
lector is the masculine form used for a male reader, while lectora is the feminine form used for a female reader.
How does it change in a sentence?
For singular subjects, use lector for a male and lectora for a female. When referring to multiple people, use the plural forms: lectores is used for a group of male readers or a mixed-gender group, whereas lectoras is used specifically for a group consisting only of female readers.
How do you pronounce it?
/leɡˈtoɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American contexts, lector refers to a specific role in a traditional tobacco factory where one person reads news and literature aloud to the workers.
- While lector means reader, the Spanish word for a 'bookworm' is devoralibros, which literally translates to 'book-devourer'.
- In many Spanish-speaking academic contexts, the title lector refers to a specific rank of university teacher, rather than just someone reading a book.
Examples in context
- La demostración es dejada al lector.The proof is left to the reader.This sentence shows how a proof might be left to the lector.Tatoeba #2227321 by marcelostockle, translation #367419 by MUIRIEL
- El propósito de la puntuación es ayudar al lector.The purpose of punctuation is to help the reader.This sentence illustrates how punctuation is intended to assist the lector.Tatoeba #2055609 by Shishir, translation #2031242 by halfb1t
- Un lector vive mil vidas antes de morir, un hombre que no lee nunca solo vive una.A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. A man who never reads lives only one.This sentence uses the word lector to contrast a person who reads with one who does not.Tatoeba #8100407 by Shishir, translation #8100406 by soliloquist
- Estimado lectorDear reader
- un lector ávidoAn avid reader
- una lectora apasionadaA passionate reader
- Soy un/a lector/a empedernido/aI am an inveterate reader
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a new book at a bookstore.
- MateoEste libro es perfecto para un lector joven.This book is perfect for a young reader.
- ElenaTienes razón, tiene una portada muy llamativa.You're right, it has a very eye-catching cover.
- MateoCualquier lector disfrutaría de esta historia.Any reader would enjoy this story.
- ElenaLo voy a comprar para mi hermano.I am going to buy it for my brother.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reader” translations and entries lector, lectora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
