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libres

/lí-bres/

free

Two brightly colored birds soaring high and effortlessly in a wide-open blue sky, symbolizing freedom from confinement.

When people or animals are libres, they are free and not confined or imprisoned.

libres(Adjective)

m/f (plural)A1

free

?

not confined or imprisoned

,

liberated

?

released

Also:

independent

?

autonomous

📝 In Action

Los prisioneros fueron declarados libres después de 20 años.

A2

The prisoners were declared free after 20 years.

Necesitamos ser libres para tomar nuestras propias decisiones.

A1

We need to be free to make our own decisions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • independientes (independent)
  • autónomos (autonomous)

Antonyms

  • esclavos (slaves)
  • presos (imprisoned)

Common Collocations

  • países libres – free countries
  • espíritus libres – free spirits

Idioms & Expressions

  • manos libres – hands-free (often for technology)

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

'Libres' is the plural form of 'libre'. It must match the noun it describes: use 'libres' for both masculine plural (los hombres libres) and feminine plural (las mujeres libres).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Libre' and 'Gratis'

Mistake: "Usar 'libres' cuando se quiere decir 'free of charge'."

Correction: Use 'gratis' (free of charge) when something costs zero money, but use 'libres' when something is not confined or not busy.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' (son libres) to describe a permanent state (their nature is free). Use 'estar' (están libres) to describe a current, temporary state (they were just released).

Two brightly colored, empty chairs pulled up to a small, unoccupied table on a sunny patio, illustrating availability.

Things that are libres are available and not currently occupied or busy.

libres(Adjective)

m/f (plural)A2

available

?

not occupied or busy

,

off-duty

?

not working

Also:

spare

?

extra or unused

📝 In Action

¿Tienen habitaciones libres en este hotel?

A2

Do you have any available rooms in this hotel?

Normalmente, mis fines de semana son libres.

A2

Normally, my weekends are free (I don't have work).

Los asientos del fondo siempre están libres.

B1

The back seats are always spare/empty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • disponibles (available)
  • desocupados (unoccupied)

Antonyms

  • ocupados (busy, occupied)

Common Collocations

  • días libres – days off
  • mesas libres – available tables

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Estar'

When talking about availability (whether a table, room, or person is currently not busy), you almost always use the verb 'estar' (están libres).

⭐ Usage Tips

Asking for Availability

If you are asking if people are available, you can ask, '¿Están libres?' (Are you all free?).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: libres

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'libres' in the sense of 'available'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

libre(free, available (singular)) - adjective
libertad(freedom) - noun
liberar(to free, to release) - verb

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.'