Spanish Conversation · Level 26
90 words
Spanish word
leer
Pronunciation
IPA/leˈeɾ/
Meaning
- verbread
Example
Me gusta leer antes de dormir.
I like to read before I go to sleep.
More examples
¿Puedes leer este mensaje y decirme si está claro?
Can you read this message and tell me if it's clear?
Core concept
Eyes following lines of printed text while lips move slightly.
Common phrases
leer un mensaje
read a message
leer rápidamente
read quickly
leer entre líneas
read between the lines
Similar words
ver: Registers visual appearance or movement with the eyes without deliberate focus.
mirar: Looks at something with directed attention to observe or examine it closely.
ojear: Glances over material quickly to catch a rough or general impression.
hojear: Flips through pages while skimming their content for a quick overview.
Definition in Spanish
Leer es pronunciar o recorrer con la mirada un texto escrito para captar su sentido, tanto en silencio como en voz alta.
Word origin
From Latin legere meaning 'to gather' or 'to pick', Spanish leer descends from the same Romance root that produced Portuguese ler and French lire.
Usage tips
- The question '¿Puedes leer esto?' can mean silent reading or reading aloud depending on context, and speakers add 'en voz alta' when they specifically want it read aloud.