libre — meaning in English: free

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for free

mientras

accidente

libre

frente

piensas

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Spanish speakers commonly use 'libre' in everyday conversations when discussing personal freedom, available time, or when talking about things that are unoccupied, like a seat on public transport. For example, someone might say, 'Este asiento está libre' when pointing to an empty seat, or 'Hoy tengo el día libre' to express that they have a day off from work.

Synonyms & nuances

'Libre' is often compared to 'gratuito,' which means 'free of charge.' While 'libre' focuses on the idea of being free in terms of choice or availability, 'gratuito' specifically refers to something that does not have a cost. You would use 'libre' when discussing personal freedom, while 'gratuito' would apply to services and products offered without payment.

Culture

'Libre' comes from the Latin word 'liber,' which means 'free' or 'not enslaved.' In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of being 'libre' is deeply tied to personal autonomy and is often celebrated in literature, music, and art. For instance, the famous phrase 'Viva la libertad!' emphasizes the cultural importance of freedom.

FAQ

Q.What does 'libre' mean in English?

'Libre' translates to 'free' in English, signifying freedom or availability, depending on the context.

Q.How do you use 'libre' in a sentence?

You can use 'libre' in sentences like 'Tengo tiempo libre' (I have free time) or 'Este libro es libre de derechos' (This book is free of rights).

Q.Is 'libre' always positive?

'Libre' generally has a positive connotation, indicating freedom or lack of restrictions. However, context matters, as in some cases, if someone is described as 'libre de preocupaciones,' it might imply they are not engaged or concerned.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000