Inklingo
← Dictionary

libreta

lee-BREH-tah/liˈβɾeta/

“libreta” means “notebook” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

notebook

Also: notepad, sketchbook
NounfA1
A colorful spiral-bound notebook with a blank cover sitting on a wooden desk.

📝 In Action

Tengo una libreta azul para la clase de español.

A1

I have a blue notebook for Spanish class.

Anota el número de teléfono en tu libreta.

A2

Write down the phone number in your notebook.

El detective sacó una libreta pequeña del bolsillo.

B1

The detective took a small notepad out of his pocket.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • libreta de apuntes – note pad / book for taking notes
  • libreta de direcciones – address book
  • libreta de espiral – spiral notebook

bankbook

Also: driver's license
NounfB2
UruguaySpain
A small blue booklet with the image of a gold coin on the cover, representing a bankbook.

📝 In Action

Tengo que ir al banco para actualizar mi libreta de ahorros.

B2

I have to go to the bank to update my savings book.

El oficial me pidió la libreta de conducir.

B2

The officer asked me for my driver's license.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cartilla (bankbook (Spain))
  • licencia (license)

Common Collocations

  • libreta de ahorros – savings passbook
  • libreta de conducir – driving license (Uruguay/Argentina)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "libreta" in Spanish:

bankbook→driver's license→notebook→notepad→sketchbook→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: libreta

Question 1 of 3

If you want to buy a novel to read on the beach, do you look for a 'libro' or a 'libreta'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
libro(book) — Noun
librería(bookstore) — Noun
librero(bookseller / bookshelf) — Noun
libreto(script / libretto) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish word 'libro' (book). By adding the ending '-eta', which is used to describe a smaller version of something, it literally means 'little book'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: libretto

💡 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

Is 'libreta' the same as 'cuaderno'?

They are very similar! 'Cuaderno' is often used for school notebooks, while 'libreta' often implies something smaller or used for quick, personal notes.

Can I use 'libreta' for a digital notes app?

Yes, it is common to use 'libreta' or 'bloc de notas' to refer to digital note-taking tools.

Does it mean the same thing in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Mostly yes (notebook), but remember the regional difference in Uruguay and Argentina where it also means a driver's license.