libra esterlina
/ˌlibɾa esteɾˈlina/feminine
The English phrase "sterling" is translated into Spanish as libra esterlina.
libra esterlina refers to the currency of the United Kingdom, based on the pound sterling or to genuine British currency as contrasted with foreign currency. When writing about this currency in Spanish, it is common to use the symbol £.
Meaning: currency of the United Kingdom, based on the pound sterling, genuine English or British currency, as contrasted with foreign currency (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term uses the adjective esterlina, which is derived from the same root as the English word "sterling" and is used to specify that the pound is British.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple units of the currency, such as "sterling pounds", both the noun libra and the adjective esterlina must be pluralized to libras esterlinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlibɾa esteɾˈlina/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word libra comes from the Latin word for 'scales'. This is why the word describes both a unit of weight and a unit of currency.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say libra without esterlina, people may assume you are talking about a unit of weight rather than money.
- If you were to use the adjective esterlina to describe a person, it would be a mistake, as it only applies to the currency or things related to the UK.
Examples in context
- El tipo de cambio actual es de 1 libra esterlina por 1.15 euros.The current exchange rate is 1 sterling pound per 1.15 euros.
- Necesito cambiar mis libras esterlinas por euros antes de viajar.I need to exchange my sterling pounds for euros before traveling.
- Necesito cambiar mi dinero a la libra esterlina.I need to change my money into sterling.
- El valor de la libra esterlina ha subido.The value of sterling has gone up.
- No aceptamos la libra esterlina en esta tienda.We do not accept sterling in this shop.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are planning a trip to London.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿cuánta libra esterlina necesitamos para el viaje?Alejandro, how much pound sterling do we need for the trip?
- AlejandroCreo que quinientas serán suficientes.I think five hundred will be enough.
- SofíaVoy a ir al banco mañana mismo.I am going to go to the bank tomorrow.
- AlejandroPerfecto, así ya tenemos el dinero.Perfect, that way we already have the money.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sterling” translations and entries libra esterlina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esterlina, libra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
