libres
“libres” means “free” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
free, liberated
Also: independent
📝 In Action
Los prisioneros fueron declarados libres después de 20 años.
A2The prisoners were declared free after 20 years.
Necesitamos ser libres para tomar nuestras propias decisiones.
A1We need to be free to make our own decisions.
available, off-duty
Also: spare
📝 In Action
¿Tienen habitaciones libres en este hotel?
A2Do you have any available rooms in this hotel?
Normalmente, mis fines de semana son libres.
A2Normally, my weekends are free (I don't have work).
Los asientos del fondo siempre están libres.
B1The back seats are always spare/empty.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: libres
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'libres' in the sense of 'available'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *liber*, which meant 'free' or 'unrestricted.' This root is the source of many English words related to freedom, books (a 'liber' was also a scroll or bark), and liberty.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'libres' the same as 'gratis'?
No. 'Libres' describes a state of being—not confined, not busy, or unrestricted. 'Gratis' means something costs no money (free of charge).
I heard 'libres' used to mean a day off. How does that work?
When paired with a noun like 'días' (days), it means 'days off' or 'spare days.' For example, 'Tenemos dos días libres' means 'We have two days off work/school.'