libro de texto
/ˌlibɾo de ˈteɡsto/
The English phrase "school book" is translated into Spanish as libro de texto.
libro de texto is the specific term used for a textbook.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase libro de texto literally translates to "book of text".
Which one should you use?
While libro means "book", libro de texto is the specific term used for a textbook, whereas libro alone refers to any general book.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, texto escolar is commonly used to mean "school book". In Latin America and certain regions of Spain, libro de clase is also commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun libro to libros, resulting in libros de texto.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlibɾo de ˈteɡsto/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word texto comes from the Latin word for 'woven'. This reflects an ancient view of writing as a fabric and the act of composing a text as weaving threads together.
- The Latin root of libro, liber, originally referred to the inner bark of a tree, which was used as a writing surface before the invention of paper.
- The word libro shares a common root with the French word livre, which now means both 'book' and 'pound' in terms of currency.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar algunos libros escolares para el próximo año académico.I need to buy some school books for the upcoming academic year.
- No quiero llevar tantos libros de colegio en mi mochila.I don't want to carry so many school books in my backpack.
- Estoy leyendo el libro de clase de historia y es muy interesante.I'm reading the history school book, and it's very interesting.
- Estudia el texto escolar antes del examen.Study the school book before the exam.
- Necesito comprar un libro de texto nuevo.I need to buy a new school book.
- ¿Dónde está mi libro de texto de historia?Where is my history school book?
- El libro de texto es muy pesado.The school book is very heavy.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the classroom.
- SofíaJavier, ¿tienes el libro de texto de historia?Javier, do you have the history school book?
- JavierNo, Sofía, lo olvidé en mi casa.No, Sofía, I forgot it at my house.
- SofíaPodemos compartir el mío durante la clase.We can share mine during the class.
- JavierMuchas gracias, eres muy amable.Thank you very much, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry libro de texto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, libro, texto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
