libre
/LEE-breh/
free
The primary meaning of 'libre' is 'free' or 'at liberty,' as in not imprisoned or controlled.
libre(Adjective)
free
?not imprisoned or controlled; at liberty
independent
?as in a free country
,unrestricted
?as in free access
📝 In Action
Nelson Mandela no fue un hombre libre durante 27 años.
A2Nelson Mandela was not a free man for 27 years.
En este país, la prensa es libre.
B1In this country, the press is free.
Quiero ser libre para tomar mis propias decisiones.
B1I want to be free to make my own decisions.
💡 Grammar Points
An 'Easy' Adjective
'Libre' is a helpful adjective because it doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You say 'el hombre libre' and 'la mujer libre'. It only adds an '-s' for plural things: 'los pájaros libres'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Big Ideas
This meaning of 'libre' is often used to talk about important concepts like freedom of speech ('libertad de expresión'), human rights, and personal liberty.
'Libre' is commonly used to mean 'available,' 'vacant,' or 'unoccupied,' often for seats or tables.
libre(Adjective)
free
?available, not occupied or busy
vacant
?for a room or seat
,available
?for a person or service
📝 In Action
Disculpe, ¿está libre esta silla?
A1Excuse me, is this chair free?
El taxi tiene la luz verde, así que está libre.
A2The taxi has its green light on, so it's free (available).
No te puedo ayudar ahora, no estoy libre.
A2I can't help you now, I'm not free.
Tengo toda la tarde libre para ir de compras.
B1I have the whole afternoon free to go shopping.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Most Common Mix-up: 'Libre' vs. 'Gratis'
Mistake: "El café es libre."
Correction: El café es gratis. Use 'libre' for things that are available or not busy (like a table). Use 'gratis' for things that have no cost.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Magic Question
This is your go-to word for asking if a taxi, a table at a restaurant, or a bathroom stall is available. Just point and ask, '¿Está libre?'
Informally, 'libre' can mean 'single' or 'unattached,' emphasizing personal independence.
libre(Adjective)
single
?unmarried, not in a relationship
unattached
?not committed to someone
📝 In Action
Mi amigo rompió con su novia, ahora está libre otra vez.
B1My friend broke up with his girlfriend, now he's single again.
Soy una mujer libre, no necesito a nadie.
B1I'm a single/free woman, I don't need anyone.
⭐ Usage Tips
How it Compares to 'Soltero'
The word 'soltero/a' is the official term for 'single' marital status. Using 'libre' sounds more casual and emphasizes the idea of being 'free and unattached'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: libre
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'libre' correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between 'libre' and 'gratis'?
Think of it this way: 'Libre' is about availability or freedom. A parking spot is 'libre' (available). A country is 'libre' (has freedom). 'Gratis' is about money. A sample at the store is 'gratis' (costs nothing). So, a bathroom can be 'libre' (unoccupied), but it's not 'gratis' if you have to pay to use it!
Does 'libre' change for masculine and feminine words?
Nope, it's one of the easy ones! It stays the same. You say 'el chico libre' (the free boy) and 'la chica libre' (the free girl). It only changes for plural things by adding an 's', like 'los asientos libres' (the free seats).