libertad
“libertad” means “freedom” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
freedom, liberty
Also: release
📝 In Action
Lucharon por la libertad de su país.
B1They fought for their country's freedom.
El prisionero recuperó su libertad después de diez años.
B1The prisoner regained his freedom after ten years.
La libertad de expresión es un derecho fundamental.
B2Freedom of speech is a fundamental right.
freedom
Also: leeway, discretion
📝 In Action
En este trabajo, tengo mucha libertad para organizar mi horario.
B2In this job, I have a lot of freedom to organize my schedule.
Los padres deben darles a sus hijos cierta libertad para que aprendan.
B2Parents should give their children a certain amount of freedom so they can learn.
Me tomé la libertad de pedir un café para ti, espero que te guste.
B2I took the liberty of ordering a coffee for you, I hope you like it.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: libertad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'I don't have free time this afternoon'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'libertās', which meant 'the condition of a free person' or 'independence'. It's built from 'līber', the Latin word for 'free'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'libertad' and 'libre'?
'Libertad' is the *idea* or *state* of being free (it's a noun, like 'freedom'). 'Libre' is the word you use to *describe* someone or something that is free (it's an adjective, like 'free'). For example, 'El pájaro es libre' (The bird is free) and 'El pájaro ama la libertad' (The bird loves freedom).
Can 'libertad' be plural, like 'libertades'?
Yes, it can. 'Libertades' means 'liberties' or 'freedoms' and is often used when talking about specific rights, like 'libertades civiles' (civil liberties).