libro de texto
/ˌlibɾo de ˈteɡsto/masculine
The English phrase "textbook" is translated into Spanish as libro de texto. Wiktionary also lists manual and libro escolar.
Meaning: formal manual of instruction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| libro de texto | /ˌlibɾo de ˈteɡsto/ /ˌlibɾo de ˈtesto/ (informal) |
masculine |
| manual | /maˈnwal/ | masculine |
| libro escolar | /libɾo eskolaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| texto | /ˈteɡsto/ | masculine |
In Spanish, libro de texto refers to a formal manual of instruction. You may also use the adjective de manual idiomatically to describe something that is a perfect, classic or stereotypical example of a situation, similar to the English expression "textbook case".
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 de texto refers specifically to a formal instructional manual, libro escolar is a broader term for any school book.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the primary forms provided are masculine nouns: manual, libro escolar, libro de texto and texto.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlibɾo de ˈteɡsto/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word texto shares a root with the English word 'textile' because both come from the Latin word for 'woven'.
- In certain contexts, referring to something as de manual can sound slightly mocking, as if you are saying the situation is too predictable or stereotypical.
- In some Spanish-speaking academic circles, referring to a manual instead of a libro de texto often implies a more practical or professional guide rather than a student's book.
Examples in context
- No me puedo fiar de mi libro de texto.I can't trust my textbook.This sentence shows how to express distrust in a libro de texto.Tatoeba #2680888 by th78952, translation #2682585 by _undertoad
- Hay agradecimientos en cada libro de texto.There are acknowledgements in every textbook.This sentence demonstrates the presence of acknowledgements in a libro de texto.Tatoeba #13032347 by Eremon, translation #10703245 by MrOhno
- Este libro de texto es demasiado difícil para mí.This textbook is too hard for me.This sentence is used to describe the difficulty level of a libro de texto.Tatoeba #637489 by clerval, translation #59679 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir un libro de texto de matemáticas?Where can I get a math textbook?
- Recuerden traer su libro de texto mañana.Remember to bring your textbook tomorrow.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking before their history class.
- SofíaMateo, ¿tienes el libro de texto?Mateo, do you have the textbook?
- MateoNo, Sofía, lo olvidé en casa.No, Sofia, I forgot it at home.
- SofíaPuedes compartir mi libro de texto hoy.You can share my textbook today.
- Mateo¡Muchas gracias por ayudarme!Thank you very much for helping me!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “textbook” translations and entries libro de texto, manual, texto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, escolar, libro, manual, texto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
