Inklingo

How to Say "free" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “free” is “gratis” — use 'gratis' when something costs no money, like a free sample or a free event..

gratis🔊A1

Use 'gratis' when something costs no money, like a free sample or a free event.

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libre🔊A1

Use 'libre' when something is available, not occupied, or when a person is not imprisoned or controlled.

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disponible🔊B1

Use 'disponible' when referring to a person who is not busy and is ready or available for something, like a meeting or a phone call.

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suelto🔊A2

Use 'suelto' when referring to an animal or person that has been released from confinement or is no longer tied up or restrained.

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despejado🔊B1

Use 'despejado' to describe a space or area that is clear of obstacles or obstructions.

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franco🔊C1

Use 'franco' in the specific context of a 'free zone' (zona franca) where goods are exempt from taxes or duties.

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English → Spanish

gratis

GRAH-tees/ˈɡɾatis/

AdverbA1General
Use 'gratis' when something costs no money, like a free sample or a free event.
A stylized illustration of one hand offering a bright red balloon to another empty, waiting hand, symbolizing receiving something without needing to pay.

Examples

La entrada al museo es gratis los domingos.

Entrance to the museum is free on Sundays.

Si compras dos, te dan la tercera unidad totalmente gratis.

If you buy two, they give you the third unit completely free.

Con el servicio premium, el envío es gratis.

With the premium service, shipping is free.

Always Unchanging

'Gratis' never changes its form. It always stays 'gratis' regardless of whether the thing you got is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural. (It is 'invariable').

Adverb vs. Adjective

While it describes a noun (like 'free delivery'), 'gratis' functions as an adverb, describing the manner of the transaction, which is why it doesn't need to match the noun.

Adding Plural Endings

Mistake: “Las bebidas son gratises.”

Correction: Las bebidas son gratis. (Never add an -s, even if you are talking about many things.)

libre

/LEE-breh//ˈli.βɾe/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'libre' when something is available, not occupied, or when a person is not imprisoned or controlled.
A small blue bird flying joyfully away from a large, open, wooden cage, symbolizing freedom and being at liberty.

Examples

Disculpe, ¿está libre esta silla?

Excuse me, is this chair free?

Nelson Mandela no fue un hombre libre durante 27 años.

Nelson Mandela was not a free man for 27 years.

En este país, la prensa es libre.

In this country, the press is free.

Quiero ser libre para tomar mis propias decisiones.

I want to be free to make my own decisions.

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'.

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.

disponible

dis-po-NEE-bleh/dis.poˈni.βle/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'disponible' when referring to a person who is not busy and is ready or available for something, like a meeting or a phone call.
A smiling, friendly cartoon character sitting alone on a green park bench in the sunlight, looking relaxed and unoccupied.

Examples

¿Estás disponible para una llamada rápida a las 3:00?

Are you free for a quick call at 3:00?

El técnico no estará disponible hasta la próxima semana.

The technician won't be available until next week.

Siempre estoy disponible si me necesitas.

I am always available if you need me.

Expressing Availability

When talking about a person's schedule, you use 'estar disponible' to mean 'not busy' or 'free to meet.' If you say 'ser libre,' it means 'to be free' in the sense of having civil liberties or being unrestricted.

Confusing 'Disponible' and 'Listo'

Mistake: “Using 'listo' (ready/smart) when you mean 'available' (accessible).”

Correction: Use 'disponible' for accessibility (Is the car available?), and 'listo' for preparation (Is the car ready to go?).

suelto

SWELL-toh/'swelto/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'suelto' when referring to an animal or person that has been released from confinement or is no longer tied up or restrained.
A length of thick, brown rope lying on a wooden surface. The rope is completely untied and straight, showing its loose, unfastened state.

Examples

El perro estaba suelto en el parque.

The dog was loose in the park.

Llevaba el pelo suelto, sin coleta.

She wore her hair loose, without a ponytail.

Dejé los papeles sueltos sobre la mesa.

I left the loose papers on the table.

Agreement is Key

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'suelto' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): suelto, suelta, sueltos, sueltas.

Confusing with 'soltar'

Mistake: “Using 'soltar' (the verb) when you need 'suelto' (the description).”

Correction: Remember, 'suelto' describes the state of being released, while 'soltar' is the action of releasing.

despejado

/des-pe-HA-do//des.peˈxa.ðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'despejado' to describe a space or area that is clear of obstacles or obstructions.
A long, straight, empty paved road running through a field, emphasizing that there are no barriers or traffic.

Examples

Después de la limpieza, el pasillo quedó completamente despejado.

After the cleaning, the hallway was completely unobstructed (clear).

Con la mente despejada, pude concentrarme en la solución.

With a clear mind, I was able to concentrate on the solution.

Origin as a Past Participle

'Despejado' is the past participle of the verb 'despejar' (to clear or to remove). When used as an adjective, it means 'having been cleared'.

franco

/frán-ko//ˈfɾaŋ.ko/

AdjectiveC1Formal/Economic
Use 'franco' in the specific context of a 'free zone' (zona franca) where goods are exempt from taxes or duties.
A storybook illustration of a wrapped box package floating easily in the air, passing over a closed customs barrier gate without needing to stop, symbolizing freedom from duty.

Examples

La zona franca permite el comercio sin pagar aranceles.

The free zone allows trade without paying tariffs.

Este tipo de envío es franco de porte, lo que significa que el remitente paga el costo.

This type of shipment is carriage paid, meaning the sender pays the cost.

Formal Usage

This meaning of 'franco' is often combined with prepositions like 'de' ('franco de porte' or 'franco de gastos') to indicate what the item is free FROM.

Libre vs. Disponible

Learners often confuse 'libre' and 'disponible' when something or someone is available. Remember: 'libre' is more general (a free seat, free will), while 'disponible' specifically refers to a person's availability for an activity or task.

Related Translations

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